Tag: defence

Australia’s manufacturing sector has received a funding boost, with the Australian Government allocating more than $17 million to 44 local businesses through the latest round of the Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) program, aimed at strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability across the defence industry.

Australian-owned maritime engineering company Birdon has signed a $125 million contract with the Australian Government to design and build one prototype and 15 Amphibious Vehicles – Logistics (AV-L) for the Australian Army, under the Land 8710 Littoral Manoeuvre Program.

The Australian Government is investing almost $40 million in emerging technologies and artificial intelligence to strengthen the Australian Defence Force’s ability to make faster and more accurate decisions, according to the Department of Defence.

DroneShield has renewed its support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Drone Racing Team for 2026, continuing a partnership that the company says is focused on skills development and innovation in drone operations. 

Babcock Australasia has secured a $42 million extension to its Counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (C-CBRNE) asset management contract, a program that involves the sustainment, integration and support of specialised equipment supplied through Australian-based industry partners.

Defence Trailblazer has announced a series of industry-led projects aimed at accelerating clean-energy technologies while strengthening Australia’s advanced manufacturing sector, as part of Defence’s transition to net zero.

Lockheed Martin Australia has commenced manufacturing operations at a new Missile Assembly Facility in Port Wakefield, South Australia, marking what the company describes as a significant step in developing domestic guided-weapons capability.

ASC Pty Ltd has appointed Alex Walsh as its Acting Chief Executive Officer, with the defence and nuclear industry executive to step into the role on 12 December 2025.

The Western Australian Government has launched a new $2 million AUKUS SME Readiness Fund to help local manufacturers and defence businesses enter AUKUS supply chains, as part of efforts to create jobs and strengthen the state’s manufacturing sector.

Australia and the United States have signed a Joint Statement of Intent to explore co-production of guided weapons and opened a joint office to support cooperation in the sector.