The Victorian Government has awarded more than $800,000 to 11 Victorian manufacturers to help them compete for defence industry contracts, as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen the state’s role in Australia’s defence supply chain.
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks announced the funding during a visit to Hanwha Defence Australia’s Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence at the Avalon Airport Industrial Precinct.
The grants, delivered through Round 5 of the Supply Chain Uplift Program, aim to boost local capability and attract new investment to Victoria.
“We’ve set out a vision for Victoria to be a defence and aerospace powerhouse – and we’re backing our industry to grow and thrive,” Brooks said.
“The Supply Chain Uplift Program gives Victorian manufacturers the best shot at winning substantial defence contracts, helping to create jobs and boost the economy.”
The successful companies – Blueroom Simulations, EnyGy, Lunar Outpost, R&I Instrument & Gear Co., Ribcraft Marine, Ronson Gears, Skills Leap Australia, Stahl Metall, Total Precision, TRJ Engineering and Vokke – will each receive matched grants of up to $100,000.
The funding will support initiatives such as facility upgrades, industry accreditations, and research and product development.
For Stahl Metall, the grant will fund new advanced manufacturing equipment to improve product development and prototyping for defence contracts.
“This funding will help us scale our operations and strengthen our ability to support key programs like LAND 400 and LAND 8116,” Managing Director Anton Fonseka said.
“It also reaffirms the importance of building a sovereign and resilient supply chain in Victoria that can compete globally and deliver lasting economic and strategic value.”
Hanwha Defence Australia is currently delivering the $1 billion LAND 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobile Fires program, featuring the Huntsman vehicles, and the $5–$7 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle program.
Together, these initiatives are expected to generate more than 1,000 direct jobs and support hundreds more across Victoria’s 2,500-strong defence supply chain.
“The support from the Victorian Government through the Supply Chain Uplift Program to SMEs is an excellent ongoing investment in the defence industry,” Hanwha Defence Australia and Europe/UK CEO Ben Hudson said.
“From capital investment to DISP accreditation, it’s great to see SMEs investing to make sure they are ready to do business with us in current and future defence programs.”
Member for Geelong Chris Couzens said the funding reinforced the region’s status as a key manufacturing centre. “This new funding builds upon our support for local industry, solidifying Geelong as a vital manufacturing hub, creating jobs and boosting the regional economy,” she said.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant added, “These investments will benefit the wider Geelong region – creating high-skilled jobs, driving innovation and ensuring local businesses are part of Australia’s defence supply chain.”
