South Australia captured global attention at September’s Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) in London, proving once again that the state’s defence industry is punching far above its weight on the world stage.

With more than 60 local companies at the event, the state showcased the full spectrum of its capabilities, from advanced undersea technology to world-class manufacturing, backed by a highly skilled workforce ready to play a lead role in the AUKUS partnership.

The buzz among industry started even before the exhibition opened with Defence SA leading a high-powered trade mission to the UK, taking along 18 South Australian companies to explore opportunities in the AUKUS Pillar I submarine supply chain.

For these businesses, the trip provided a unique opportunity to connect on the world stage and demonstrate their expertise, while building crucial partnerships to shape the future of undersea defence technology.

One of the defining moments of the week was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Rolls-Royce Submarines and the South Australian Government. The partnership will co-design workforce development initiatives in the state, helping to build the next generation of engineers for Australia’s conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines at the expanded Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide.

Rolls-Royce Submarines President, Steve Carlier, said the company was looking forward to sharing its deep expertise in workforce and skills development with South Australia.

“We are incredibly proud to play our part in the development of the next generation of attack submarines for the Royal Navy, and equally proud to be supporting Australia in their mission to introduce nuclear-powered submarines to their fleet,” Mr Carlier said.

Adelaide also won global attention when it was announced as the host city for the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) Conference in 2026, marking the first time in the event’s 37-year history that it will be held outside of Europe.

The event is run by Clarion Events, who successfully run defence and security events around the world, including its flagship event DSEI at ExCeL London, with the 2025 event attended by more than 60,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from at least 37 countries.

Sally deSwart, Manager Director at Clarion Events Defence and Security said, “Bringing Undersea Defence Technology to Adelaide is an important strategic development for Clarion Defence, bringing UDT into a new region at a critical time for the defence sector and re-enforcing key alliances between the UK and Australia.”

The conference will bring together government, industry and military leaders from around the world, giving South Australian companies a rare opportunity to showcase their capabilities on an international stage without leaving the state.

DSEI also provided opportunities for South Australian companies to showcase a range of defence innovations and partnerships – from Ares Armaments’ counter-drone ammunition to Codan subsidiary, DTC’s military grade soldier radio, as well as Humanihut securing a global contract with Mitie Defence.

These achievements collectively highlighted the depth and breadth of the state’s defence and space ecosystem and reinforced South Australia as a place to manufacture and innovate and as a hub for strategic collaboration and advanced technology.

Looking ahead, South Australia is gearing up to do it all again at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney this November.

With more than 65 companies set to showcase their capabilities on home soil as part of the Defence State stand, Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie said, “South Australia’s defence industry continues to thrive and our participation at Indo Pacific will further showcase our capabilities and commitment to strengthening regional security.”

As the state builds on its international momentum, South Australia stands ready to shape the future of Defence as a national leader and global force in capability, innovation and collaboration.