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Enabling Members to do Better Business in Defence
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Welcome to the ADA Defence update for this week!
Government Grows and Accelerates Defence Spending
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As the Government announced last year, they are investing an additional $50.3 billion into the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which will now see an additional $10.6 billion invested over the forward estimates. The value of this investment is now $57.6 billion over the decade and is accounted for in the budget 2025-26.
In 2025-26 the Government is also bringing forward $1 billion of investment to enable Defence to acquire capabilities faster.
The Government has made significant investments in cutting-edge Defence capabilities. This has seen investment hit record levels over the past few years. Including in the Australian defence industry. Almost 80 per cent of Defence’s annual budget is spent in Australia.
The transformation in Defence over the past three years has seen:
- The release of the Defence Strategic Review and the first National Defence Strategy, refocusing Defence and aligning our investment with priority capabilities.
- A growing ADF for the first time in almost four years, including an increase in ADF recruitment application numbers of more than 19 per cent year-on-year for the past two years.
- Increased investment and re-focused investment, including more than $330 billion over ten years through the Integrated Investment Program to deliver a more potent, focused and integrated Defence Force.
Read full press release >
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Opportunities for SMEs in the defence industry will continue to grow and we are here to help and advocate for our members.
We would also like to hear from you if you have any news or stories about your business that may be of interest to other businesses and organisations.
We look forward to hearing from you.
mailto:info@australiandefencealliance.org.au
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First Australian HIMARS Delivered
From this week, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is equipped with a world‑leading long‑range precision strike capability.
In response to the Defence Strategic Review (DSR), the Government announced $1.6 billion to accelerate and expand the acquisition of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launcher vehicles.
Less than two years later, the first two HIMARS have now been delivered to Australia from the United States.
The acquisition of HIMARS is a game changer for the ADF, providing world-leading strike capability that will contribute to the security of Australia and our region, and keep our nation safe.
Employing the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), HIMARS will deliver increased lethality and accurate firepower at ranges of more than 500 kilometres.
These HIMARS are the first of 42 to be delivered to Australia.
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Success for Long Range Anti-Ship Missile Testing
The Government has delivered on a commitment to significantly upgrade the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) maritime strike capability following a successful live firing of the AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
The LRASM is now ready for operational use after the operational test, which was conducted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F/A-18F Super Hornet off the coast of California last month, and supported by the United States Navy.
A total of $895.5 million has been allocated for the acquisition of the LRASM, which will increase the RAAF’s maritime strike range to more than 370 kilometres.
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Australia Bolsters Submarine Lethality Under $200 Million Deal
The Government is enhancing the lethality of Australia’s submarine fleet under a $200 million agreement with the United States to acquire additional quantities of state-of-the-art torpedoes.
Designed for both anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, the additional stocks of MK-48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes will deliver a critical boost to the defensive and offensive capabilities of Australia’s Collins class submarines. The MK-48 will also be used on Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarines.
The MK-48 is the product of a joint program between the Australian Government and United States Government. This involves the
joint development of MK-48 hardware and software and supports the acquisition and sustainment of the capability for both the Royal Australian Navy and United States Navy, underscoring the depth of our longstanding alliance.
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Registrations now open for Land Environment Working Group 2025
The Land Environment Working Group (LEWG) 2025 is Army’s key engagement event with defence industry. It is an opportunity for defence industry to collaborate with Army from the early planning stages of land capability, and to discuss future priorities, requirements and investment plans.
Day 1: Wednesday 25 June, Hotel Realm, Barton ACT 2600 [UNCLASSIFIED]
Day 2: Thursday 26 June, HMAS Harman [CLASSIFIED]
Domain: Land
Note: Capacity is limited and spaces are expected to fill quickly. Attendance is limited to two representatives per company.
Register now
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AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code - Steel, 2 day Course Melbourne
30 Apr-1 May 2025
Weld Australia will be holding a 2 day AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel course in Melbourne on 30 April & 01 May, presented in person by international expert Cristian Zanfir.
This specialised course explores the requirements for AWS D1.1 compliance, covering key topics such as: certification for welding contractors, inspectors, and procedures; visual welding inspection techniques, and pre-qualification and qualification of welding procedures. Additionally, the course will also highlight changes that will come in the new D1.1:2025 edition later this year.
The presenter is Cristian Zanfir (Manager of Standards, Office of Public Safety, CWB Group) and his key role is contributing to the development of standards within many committees of the AWS, ASME, CSA and ISO organisations; and he has extensive specialised experience in the requirements of the D1.1 code.
Registrations are now open, click HERE to register.
What: AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code – Steel two day course
Presenter: International expert, Cristian Zanfir
When: Wednesday to Thursday, 30 April -1May 2025
Where: Venue tba in Melbourne CBD; live webinar available too
Timing: 8am registration day one, 8.30am-5pm
Melbourne in-person cost: Weld Australia Members $2450 inc GST; non-members $2650 inc GST
Live webinar cost: Weld Australia Members $2000 inc GST;
non-members $2200 inc GST
Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and professional network, ask questions and clarify learning in-person, and benefit from Cristian Zanfir’s expertise.
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| In Case You Missed These Announcements!
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Are you a business undertaking work on behalf of Defence, or other entity planning to work with Defence in the future?
The Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) supports Australian entities to understand and meet their security obligations when engaging in Defence tenders, contracts and projects, as well as providing other information to help get businesses ‘Defence Ready’.
DISP membership applies to companies working directly for Defence, or as part of a larger supply chain.
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AUKUS Licence Free Environment
Under the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024 (DTC Amendment Act), Australia has established a licence-free environment to promote strategic collaborations with our Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) partners.
The licence-free environment exempts certain Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) goods technology, services from permit requirements when transferring between Australia, the United States and/or the United Kingdom.
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The JOSCAR-AU system was established following an initiative led by a growing number of prime contractors as registered buyers together with the Commonwealth Government.
JOSCAR-AU is a cross-sector collaborative solution that reduces the time, cost, resources and duplication currently needed to provide information to major prime customers. Holding common supplier information in a central system, the JOSCAR-AU accreditation system allows information to be accessed by all participating buying organisations.
JOSCAR-AU is designed to make the process of pre-qualification or accreditation as efficient as possible – saving your company a significant amount of the time, effort and cost associated with working for multiple clients.
Hellios enables more effective compliance with client requirements for business through a single process. Your initial registration will determine the level of pre-qualification or accreditation that your clients require, based on an automated risk profile.
Expert advice is provided throughout the process to guide you including identifying potential business improvement opportunities that may increase your competitive advantage.
Registration on JOSCAR-AU is either by invitation from your registered JOSCAR-AU buyer or via self
nomination. If your buyer has asked you to complete the JOSCAR-AU questionnaire, they will contact Hellios directly on your behalf. Hellios will then process this request and send a link to the questionnaire for you to complete. If you would like to self nominate, please reach out at joscar@hellios.com.au.
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BAESA/GAP Industry Training: Estimating For Defence
BAE Systems Australia and the Global Access Program are pleased to once again offer Estimating & Pricing Industry Training during 2024.
Delivering competitive and defendable proposals for Defence requires a variety of estimating techniques to build robust, credible and defendable Basis of Estimates. Learn how to challenge your cost base, supplier quotes, estimates and price, and submit a compliant proposal that meets customer requirements, represents value for money, and can survive a cost investigation.
Estimating For Defence is a two day course developed by Estimating & Pricing (E&P) at BAE Systems Australia, and delivered in partnership with the Global Access Program (GAP).
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Open to Industry partners Based in Australia, Canada, and the UK
The Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) aims to coalesce and expand the defense industrial base (DIB) in support of the Manufacturing, Capability Expansion, and Investment Prioritization Directorate (MCEIP) critical sectors and additional areas of interest. To align with the recent modification to the definition of Domestic Source for Title III of the Defense Production Act, and in keeping with the MCEIP vision of delivering a resilient U.S. supply chain and workforce able to respond in times of national security crisis, DIBC is excited to announce that we are opening membership to Industry partners in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This increased level of collaboration will aid the DIBC in achieving MCEIP’s
mission and vision.
The application to become a DIBC member can be found here. International members will need to apply for a NCAGE Code and UEI prior to joining DIBC. To apply for a NCAGE code, each organization will need to register at https://sam.gov/. Instructions on how to register can be found here.
If you have questions about the application process, please feel free to reach out to dibconsortium@ati.org.
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Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has announced a $20 million investment to provide small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth.
The funding will allow CSIRO’s SME Connect team to support up to 750 SMEs through a range of programs and initiatives that provide facilitation, training, dollar-matched funding and support to start-ups and SMEs seeking to engage in company-led research projects.
One of the programs being supported is SME Connects flagship program, CSIRO Kick-Start. Since its inception in 2017, the Kick-Start program has facilitated over 280 company-led R&D
projects, with alumni companies collectively holding a market value exceeding $2 billion.
Dr Doug Hilton, CSIRO’s Chief Executive, emphasised the significance of this investment and the transformative impact it would have for Australia’s critical SME sector.
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The Victorian Land Systems Fund – Supply Chain Uplift Program will support Victorian defence industry businesses to work with Hanwha Defense Australia (Hanwha) as part of its supply chain. The program will help build
businesses’ capabilities so they can help Hanwha deliver the Commonwealth Government’s $1 billion Land 8116 Self-Propelled Howitzer program.
Funding will support eligible Victorian businesses to:
- gain relevant accreditations and meet industry specific compliance requirements
- prepare tenders
- undertake minor facilities upgrades and equipment fit outs
- develop new or enhance current defence products or services
- undertake defence R&D
- participate in trade missions to pursue collaboration and export opportunities.
Businesses must engage with Hanwha and receive its support before applying.
Applications to the Victorian Land Systems Fund Supply Chain Uplift Program are now open and close on 30 June 2024 or until funds have been exhausted.
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Defence Industry Development Grants Program
The Defence Industry Development Grants Program (the program) will award grants over four years from 2024-25 to 2027-28. The program was announced as part of the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The objective of the program is to build the industrial base Australia needs to achieve Defence outcomes in areas of strategic priority.
The Defence Industry Development Grants Program funds four distinct grant opportunity streams tailored to address the program outcomes:
- Sovereign Industrial Priorities
- Skilling
- Exports
- Security.
These four grants opportunities will be assessed in batches. We will regularly update the closing dates for each batch on this page. You can apply at any time.
All projects are due to be completed by 31 Mar 2028.
About the streams
The Sovereign Industrial Priorities stream will assist eligible small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to purchase manufacturing plant and equipment which is used directly to develop and/or deliver programs that are in line with the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs) described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The Skilling stream helps Australian defence industry to upskill and train in priority trade, technical and professional skillsets to develop a workforce with the right mix of qualified and experienced personnel to meet Defence requirements. The program will enhance the capacity and capability of Australian defence industry workforce to deliver SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The Exports stream provides support for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to overcome export barriers and help defence industry build scale and competitiveness in defence capability priority areas as identified by the SDIPs described in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.
The Security stream helps Australian defence industry improve and maintain security in priority areas as identified by the SDIPs and in line with the Defence Industry Security Program.
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Industry Growth Program - Support for Innovative SMEs to Commercialise and Grow their Business
The program supports innovative small and medium enterprises undertaking commercialisation and/or growth projects within the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas through advisory services and opportunities for matched grant funding. Minor changes or improvements to existing products or services are not considered innovative.
You will be connected to an Industry Growth Program Adviser who will provide tailored advice to support your commercialisation and/or growth project.
Once you have received this advice, you may also be able to apply for:
- grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to support early-stage commercialisation projects
- grants of $100,000 to $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.
More info >
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Australian Space Industry Capability Database
The Australian Space Industry Capability database will open for industry submissions from mid-July. Companies can upload information on their:
• Location
• Capability
• Workforce
The database has been developed by SIAA and is supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the Australian Space Agency, the Office of Defence Industry Support and SmartSat CRC.
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Australia Partner Network
Leidos Australia is focused on working with Australian Industry for delivery of all of our projects. We know the importance of supporting the growth of sovereign capability and would like to work with more Australian businesses at all stages of our delivery lifecycle.
We encourage Australian companies, who are interested in working with us on the opportunities identified above or on other business requirements as they arise, to complete the following registration form.
In your submission, you should highlight your experience with any relevant Defence, Intelligence, ICT and cyber capabilities and technologies. Our team will then be in touch to identify potential next steps.
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ODIS provides a range of grants to support defence industry businesses. These grants help Australian small and medium enterprises grow to meet Defence capability needs and join global defence industry supply chains.
The ODIS Defence Business Readiness Tool (DBRT) is a platform used by our Industry Engagement Team to assess the Defence Readiness of Australian Small and Medium Enterprises. The DBRT is the first step in the journey to becoming a supplier to Defence.
To use this secure tool you must have an account. You can either sign in with an existing account or create a new one. You will need to provide your Australian Business Number (ABN) when registering your account. Get Defence Ready with DBRT 2.0 and unlock the true potential of your SME within the Defence industry!
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AusTender provides centralised publication of Australian Government business opportunities, annual procurement plans and contracts awarded.
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Grants and Programs Finder
If you’re doing business in Australia, this guided search will help you find grants, funding and support programs from across government.
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Here is a link to the ICN Gateway where you will find major Government and Defence work packages
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Is your business looking to sell to the Australian Government? The newly updated Selling to Government website has all the information and support you need to get involved in government procurement and contracting opportunities. Find out more > |
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| Domestic Event & Exhibitions
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Australian Defence Alliance Victoria Inc.
570 Bourke Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000
Australia
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