Arkeus has opened a new advanced manufacturing facility in Ormeau, Queensland, aimed at increasing production of AI-powered defence sensing systems, with the expansion supported by AUD$1.48 million from the Queensland Government’s Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF).
The new facility, officially unveiled this week by Queensland Deputy Premier The Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP and Member for Coomera Michael Crandon MP, is expected to increase the company’s manufacturing capability by 20 times.Â
According to Arkeus, the site will produce AI-powered sensing systems designed for autonomous defence platforms used by Australian and allied defence customers.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Deputy Premier Bleijie said the investment forms part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen sovereign industry capability.
“Our AUD$180.6M Sovereign Industry Development Fund is about building sovereign capability across the state,” Bleijie said.
“We’ve already announced some great projects in defence, biofuels, and biomedicine, but this one I’m particularly excited about. AUD$1.48M has been awarded to Arkeus – it is about building sovereign capability for drones and sensors and for Queensland to stamp its authority in the defence space around the globe.”
Arkeus said the Ormeau facility follows its AUD$25 million Series A funding round in May 2026 and forms part of the company’s plans to establish advanced manufacturing capabilities in both Queensland and the United States to support sovereign defence capability and accelerate system delivery.
Founder and CEO Simon Olsen said the facility would support the company’s next phase of growth.
“Arkeus is just getting started on the possibilities for defence technology that can help drones and other unmanned craft to see, understand and act,” Olsen said.
“Thanks to SIDF, we are establishing this advanced manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast that will include new production and repair capabilities for our specialised AI-powered optical sensors. Our new Ormeau facility will allow us to significantly scale manufacturing, meet growing demand from Australian and U.S. defence agencies, and support the next stage of Arkeus’ growth.”
Olsen added that the company sees “enormous opportunities to strengthen Queensland’s sovereign capabilities in advanced manufacturing for the defence sector, to grow export markets, and create skilled local jobs.”
According to Arkeus, the expansion has already resulted in the recruitment of four senior Queensland-based employees, including Global Vice President of Manufacturing Andrew Sim. The company said it plans to grow its Queensland workforce by up to 50 employees over the coming years.
Arkeus said its core technology includes hyperspectral optical radar systems that capture multiple layers of visual data simultaneously, enabling artificial intelligence to detect, classify and track objects across different operating environments, including conditions where conventional sensing systems may be less effective.Â
The company said its systems are designed to process data in real time, supporting faster decision-making without relying on remote communications or external processing.
