WA launches AUKUS defence readiness fund

Western Australia’s government has launched a $2 million fund to help WA businesses break into the US and UK defence supply chains.

The funding, aimed at small to medium enterprises, will be delivered over four years and is slated to support WA defence companies.

The grants can support up to half of their total costs, up to $100,000.

It comes as the state opens the fourth round of its Defence Ready Initiative, another grant program that has already supported about 50 SMEs to enter defence supply chains around the world.

“WA's defence industry is set to be the State's next economic powerhouse providing a buffer to the cyclical nature of the resources sector,” West Australian Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia said.

“The AUKUS SME Readiness Fund will open doors to opportunities for WA businesses and help grow the sector.

“By making more things in WA, we create more local jobs and diversify our economy.”