The Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) has welcomed the principle espoused in the government’s Defence Strategic Review for a more self-reliant and a sovereign industrial base. However the organisation representing the $10.6 billion sector said there was a need for a comprehensive policy and procurement framework to be put in place to achieve this…
The federal government has received the report of the Defence Strategic Review which will guide the development of the Australian Defence Force and hence the areas of focus of government procurement for many years to come. The report was formally handed over to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles by former chief…
The federal government has signed a $500 million contract with Lockheed Martin Australia to deliver the next phase of the Joint Air Battle Management System that synchronises air and missile defence operations across air, sea and land operations. LMA was named in October as the strategic partner to deliver the project, known as AIR6500, which…
The Assistant Minister for defence Matt Thistlethwaite has spruiked the government’s response to the Defence Strategic Review in the field of defence innovation, including through joint work with AUKUS partners the US and the UK. The DSR found that more support is needed for innovation, faster acquisition and better links between Defence and industry to…
The federal government has committed an extra $11.1 billion over the next decade in its announcement on the future surface combatant fleet, in response to an independent analysis finding “in excess of $25 billion in unfunded promises” and following last year’s Defence Strategic Review. There will now be six Hunter Class Frigates, down from nine,…
The federal government is investing $3.4 million in 10 defence manufacturers in the latest round of the Defence Global Competitiveness and Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority programmes announced today. The new grants will provide 50 per cent matching grants to support the delivery of cutting-edge defence capabilities, creating more than 50 jobs and helping to drive…
The Group CEO of the biggest Australian-owned supplier of military munitions has laid out a detailed plan to mobilise the nation’s defence industrial base, emphasising “it’s time for urgency, optimism and action”. Speaking to the National Press Club in Canberra, NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa released a report which calls on the Australian Government to…
By Peter Roberts The federal government has moved to secure the future of Austal’s Perth shipbuilding operation and its Henderson yard (pictured) in Western Australia. Defence has entered into a new strategic partnership with Austal which will see 18 of the Army’s new Landing Craft Medium built at Henderson. Austal will also deliver two new…
The Royal Australian Navy has deepened his focus on autonomous and uncrewed systems, holding the two week Exercise Autonomous Warrior underway at Jervis Bar in New South Wales. Such systems are seen by many as a replacement for traditional manned systems and by others as the future complement to an evolved Australian Defence Force, operating…
The construction of offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Royal Australian Navy by Luerssen Australia is the latest to be listed a Defence Project of Concern by the federal government. The construction of Arafura-class OPVs has experienced delays in delivery of both the vessels and the associated support system, with schedule delays first emerging in…
