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The best of South Australia’s defence industry will be on show at Australia’s premier land defence expo, Land Forces, in Brisbane from 4-6 October 2022.

A record number of defence companies will be showcased on the South Australia – The Defence State stand, ranging from electronic warfare specialists to component designers and advanced manufacturers, as well as the state’s research and education institutions.

South Australia’s presence at Land Forces has more than quadrupled in the last decade, growing from 12 exhibitors in 2010 to 58 at this year’s event. In the lead up to the expo, Defence SA received expressions of interest from more than 70 companies keen to take up the opportunity.

Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price said this significant show of know-how demonstrates the state’s leading defence capability and readiness to support Defence projects.

“Land Forces is an exceptional opportunity to showcase the state’s capabilities to the national and international defence sector and connect South Australian companies with potential suppliers and customers from around the world,” he said.

“We have an impressive line-up of companies that are making headway in delivering a range of different capabilities, technology and services for Defence, including passive radar systems and space domain awareness to help Defence identify potential threats, as well as supplying components for Army vehicles.

“South Australia is home to a thriving defence sector, with a skilled workforce and agile supply chains supporting the ongoing delivery of some of the country’s largest and most complex defence projects.”

Returning to the South Australia – The Defence State stand at Land Forces again is Supashock Defence Technologies. Founder and CEO Oscar Fiorinotto said the locally based company, which recently signed a major export contract with global defence giant Rheinmetall to supply components for infantry fighting vehicles, is excited to showcase its latest innovations to the broader defence community.

“Supashock is a world-class producer of advanced motion and autonomous systems for improved capability and safety in defence mobility and logistics applications,” he said.

“In a global defence arena, it’s important for Australia’s sovereign capability to be showcased to the world, this is why we participate in events like Land Forces. By partnering with Defence SA, we can utilise that opportunity to display the best of Supashock, and indeed South Australian technology.

“Supashock is proud to be contributing expertise in mobility and motion to SA’s world-class capability. Considering the collaborative work between the likes of SMEs and primes, I believe it’s reasonable to say SA’s defence industry is amongst the strongest in Australia.”

South Australian-based company AML3D will also join the South Australia – The Defence State stand. The company specialises in large-scale 3D metal printing, using new technology and a process known as Wire Additive Manufacturing (WAM), which is more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to other traditional forms of manufacturing.

The company enables defence industry and Defence suppliers to manufacture these large-scale parts in Australia and, last year, successfully manufactured the world’s largest 3D-printed shipboard fitting – designed for towing and mooring – for an overseas customer.

AML3D Vice President Global Sales Kerrye Owen said attending Land Forces 2022 will enable the company to create new and develop existing relationships with Defence customers and suppliers.

“Land Forces provides a platform to share how we deliver and collaborate with Defence suppliers to increase sovereign capability in manufacturing large and/or exotic material metal parts,” she said.

“As a new process challenging traditional methods of manufacture, increasing potential customers’ awareness of the benefits over traditional, stronger, faster, greener, is critical.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the South Australian defence industry capability. We look forward to being considered for opportunities that align with our company’s growth strategy while helping strengthen Australia’s manufacturing industry.”

Visit the South Australia – The Defence State stand in Hall 3, Stand 3G11 at Land Forces 2022.

Find out more and view a full list of exhibitors on the South Australia – The Defence State stand.