South Australian defence capability will take centre stage at the nation’s leading international land defence exposition, Land Forces 2026, in October.

Joining the South Australia – The Defence State stand at the event in Perth will be 60 innovative South Australian defence companies, alongside leading research and education institutions.

Throughout the three-day event, exhibitors will demonstrate their expertise across advanced manufacturing, systems integration and engineering.

Sovereign capabilities critical to strengthening the development of Australia’s land forces will also be showcased, including Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and autonomous systems, cyber and information resilience, simulation and training.

Among the exhibitors will be Adelaide-based Acacia Systems, which has been supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF) since 1992.

As one of the nation’s leading defence software and systems companies, Acacia Systems is primarily engaged in developing advanced mission management systems and tactical support applications for submarines, uncrewed systems and maritime safety aircraft.

CEO of Acacia Systems Horden Wiltshire said the company is proud to be part of the strong stable of South Australian companies accelerating the state’s defence credentials.

“Building capability by harnessing the collective impact of research and innovation shaped by operational reality is significant as the global defence landscape evolves,” he said.

“Working closely with bodies such as Defence SA focuses collaborative efforts in areas that effect the most advantage and impact.”

Adelaide-based engineering and aerospace firm Nova Systems will also be on the South Australian stand.

Nova Systems has been an ADF partner for 25 years, supporting programs spanning autonomous and uncrewed systems, C-UAS, command and control, ground-based air defence and complex systems integration.

CEO of Nova Systems Dean Rosenfield said collaboration is fundamental to Defence capability, and Land Forces provides a great opportunity for Defence and industry to drive innovation and build capability to grow Australia’s national resilience.

“As an Australian-owned systems integration and capability partner, Nova is helping Defence bring complex capability into service faster, safer and with lower risk,” he said.

“Importantly, we are working together with Defence to strengthen sovereign capability across critical areas of need including autonomous and uncrewed systems, command and control, ground-based air defence and complex systems integration.”

Cementing South Australia’s position as the nation’s Defence State is industry confidence.

Seven of the world’s top 10 defence companies call South Australia home, along with more than 400 small-to-medium defence related organisations.

With a history of defence innovation spanning more than 80 years, South Australia is well placed to contribute to the national Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) enterprise, with a mature defence manufacturing sector that can support the development of air and missile defence systems and missile production.

The state also boasts critical testing and evaluation infrastructure through the Port Wakefield Proof and Experimental Establishment, Cultana Training Area and Woomera Test Range.

Another key defence hub is the Edinburgh Defence Precinct, home to the Defence Science and Technology Group’s Explosive Ordnance facilities and the Australian Army’s 10th Brigade, supporting long-range strike and ground-based defence capabilities.

South Australia is ideally positioned to support this capability, with our geography providing strategic and logistical advantages through transport corridors that enable efficient movement of heavy equipment nationwide.

Defence research, development and innovation is another strength for the Defence State, with the Defence Innovation Partnership driving strong collaboration between industry and research institutions in areas such as autonomous systems, C-UAS, information advantage and artificial intelligence.

Want to learn more about how South Australia is helping deliver the capabilities needed for a more secure future?

Visit the South Australia – The Defence State stand (1M01) on Level 1 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6-8 October 2026.