Latest News from ADA-Vic

Last Tuesday, the Government has released its blueprint for a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet for the Royal Australian Navy, more than doubling the size of the surface combatant fleet under the former government’s plan.

This follows the Government’s careful consideration of the recommendations of the independent analysis of the surface combatant fleet, commissioned in response to the Defence Strategic Review.

Australia's strategic circumstances require a larger and more lethal surface combatant fleet, complemented by a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet.

Navy’s future fleet will be integral to ensure the safety and security of our sea lines of communication and maritime trade, through operations in our immediate region. This fleet will constitute the largest number of surface combatants since WWII.

The independent analysis of Navy’s surface combatant fleet lamented the current surface combatant fleet was the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history, and emphasised the need for immediate action to boost Navy’s air defence, long-range strike, presence and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

In line with independent analysis’ recommendations, Navy’s future surface combatant fleet will comprise:

26 major surface combatants consisting of:

Three Hobart class air warfare destroyers with upgraded air defence and strike capabilities
Six Hunter class frigates to boost Navy’s undersea warfare and strike capabilities
11 new general purpose frigates that will provide maritime and land strike, air defence and escort capabilities
Six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels (LOSVs) that will significantly increase Navy’s long-range strike capacity

Six remaining Anzac class frigates with the two oldest ships to be decommissioned as per their planned service life.

The Government has also accepted the independent analysis’ recommendations to have:

25 minor war vessels to contribute to civil maritime security operations, which includes six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).

The Hunter class frigates will be built at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia, and will be followed by the replacement of the Hobart class destroyer. The Hobart destroyers will be upgraded at Osborne with the latest US Navy Aegis combat system.

The new general purpose frigate will be accelerated to replace the Anzac class frigates, meaning the Transition Capability Assurance (TransCAP) upgrades are no longer required. These new general purpose frigates will be modern, capable and more lethal, requiring smaller crews than the Anzac.

Consolidation of the Henderson precinct is currently underway, as recommended by the Defence Strategic Review. Successful and timely consolidation will enable eight new general purpose frigates to be built at the Henderson precinct, and will also enable a pathway to build six new Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels in Western Australia.

The Government is committed to continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia and the design of Navy’s future fleet will provide a stable and ongoing pipeline of work to the 2040s and beyond.

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BAE's Statement on the Surface Combatant Review Outcome

The SCR has significant implications for BAE Systems Australia’s local operations including the Hunter Class Frigate Program at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and our maritime sustainment facilities at Henderson in Western Australia.

The Commonwealth’s confirmation that the Hunter program will continue and deliver six Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) frigates underlines the Government’s confidence in the Hunter class as one of the most capable ASW warships in the world and the ability of BAE Systems and our partners to deliver this critical capability for the Royal Australian Navy.

With the announcement that the build of these six Hunter ASW frigates in Osborne will be followed by the build of three Air Warfare Destroyers to replace the Hobart class, the workforce in Osborne and our partners will have work until the mid-2040s. This is a great outcome for our nation.

This plan of continuous naval shipbuilding will underpin the continued creation of a world class shipbuilding enterprise in South Australia that will be able to support Navy in times of peace or future uncertainty, all while creating and sustaining jobs for many Australians in the advanced manufacturing sector.

The parallel announcement of a plan for continuous shipbuilding work in Western Australia through the build of General-Purpose Frigates will see workforce growth across the Henderson precinct, a location where BAE Systems Australia has a large presence supporting the ANZAC class frigates with our partners.

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Albury Company Wins
$33 Million Contract

The Government is continuing to support smaller businesses and jobs in the local defence industry with the awarding of a $33 million contract to Albury company Australian Target Systems (ATS).

Under the five-year contract, ATS will supply leading edge live-fire target systems and provide target support capabilities at defence training ranges across Australia and provide live-fire land target systems for Defence personnel to use on overseas deployments.

These highly sophisticated target systems are vital for the development of individual and collective combat shooting skills and are continually evolving to make live-fire training as realistic as possible.

The company is a wholly veteran owned company and already employs several veterans. The contract will help secure 43 jobs and create an additional 11 positions at ATS, helping the innovative company grow while also supporting the local community.

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HMAS Cerberus Open Day 3rd March

Join ADF Careers at the upcoming HMAS Cerberus Open Day.

Explore the idea of a Navy career working with advanced vessels, aircraft and weaponry. Life in the Navy offers unrivalled opportunity to explore the world while you grow your career. You'll have a great work/life balance and get to work with your mates every day.

Speak with current serving members about their own experiences and advice and discover how the Navy can shape your career.

On the day you will have the chance to check out:

Aircraft fly overs
Interactive VR simulators
ADF vehicles and weapons on display
Precision drills and demonstrations
Navy band performances and more

This is a FREE event open to all ages but you need book as soon as possible to secure your spot.

Register >

Defence and Industry Study Course (DISC) 2024

The aim of the Defence and Industry Study Course is to promote a better understanding and engagement of both Defence and industry in order to improve Australia's Defence industry capability and national security. This course brings together and exposes participants to key aspects of the environment in which Defence and industry will need to navigate, collaborate and partner in order to successfully deliver and sustain capability for armed forces. This is achieved through a series of industry and Defence base visits, and expert speakers.

Applications opened on Monday 22 January 2024 and close 5 pm AEST on Friday 1 March 2024.

Prior to lodging an application, prospective attendees must receive endorsement from employer and acknowledge this in the application form.

Applicants need to complete the application form, select ‘Submit form’ on page 4 of the form, and attach a passport size photo of themselves to the email prior to sending.

Nominations will be considered by a selection panel.

More Info >

The Capability Symposium will provide an overview of the Government and Defence’s capability priorities for the year ahead, the strategic context and approaches to capability planning and development. You will hear from the hear from Vice Admiral David Johnston, AC, RAN, Vice Chief of the Defence Force, along with members of the Senior Leadership Group, Subject Matter Experts, and capability practitioners.

Live chat and polling features will provide you with the opportunity to be part of the conversation and engage with your colleagues, strengthening your relationships and networks.

To read the Symposium Program, click here.

Date: Wednesday 13 March 2024
Time: 0830 (for 0900 start) – 1700 AEST
Location: Virtual (a link to the event’s livestreaming platform will be provided via your registered email)

More Info >

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 when funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first.

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.

Industry Growth Program Grants will open in 2024.

More info >

Strategic Policy Grants Program

The Defence Strategic Policy Grants Program (SPGP) funds independent work to deepen public debate on strategic issues relevant to Australia and inform the development of Australia’s defence policy and strategy.

The SPGP is an annual, open and competitive grant opportunity that funds independent strategic policy-focused research and related activities, such as conferences, dialogues, simulations and seminars.

For SPGP 2024, a total of $3.5 million is available over the period between 2024 and 2027, with total funding spread across multiple grants.

The objectives of the program are to support the achievement of Defence’s purpose, mission and purpose by:

deepening public debate about Australia’s strategic and defence policy choices
informing the development of Australia’s defence policy and strategy
strengthening Defence’s international and domestic partnerships
broadening participation in Australia’s strategic and defence policy debate.

The intended outcomes of the program are:

the publication of original, well-informed and policy-relevant research
engagements between Defence and leading non-government experts
events and activities involving Defence’s international and domestic counterparts
participation by new and emerging talent in Australia’s strategic and defence policy debate.

Applications for SPGP 2024 must be lodged by organisations holding an Australian Business Number or equivalent business registration number. Individuals with different organisational affiliations can submit a joint application to SPGP 2024. This must identify a project lead as well as a lead organisation accountable to the Australian Government, through Defence, for any agreed grant activities.

To be eligible the grant activity must:

support Defence’s purpose, mission and priorities
satisfy one or more of the program’s objectives and outcomes
align with priorities and challenges outlined in the Defence Strategic Review
be new, unfunded, and distinct from any business-as-usual activity.

More info >

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.

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.

Australian Defence Export Office Pitch Training Program

The ADEO, in partnership with Marketing Entourage, have created a five week online pitch training program specifically for businesses looking to export defence and dual use goods and services. This training is fully subsidised for Australian Defence Industry businesses.

The program is specifically designed to improve the chances of success for Australian defence industry companies when engaging with opportunities to pitch their capabilities to foreign military and military suppliers. The training is delivered through a series of webinars, online modules and one-to-one pitch practice sessions.

Australian Defence Industry businesses are encouraged to apply by registering their interest at the link below. Multiple people from the same business can be included as a single application. Limited spaces are available on each cohort and the ADEO will prioritise businesses who have recently participated in an industry delegation with TDA.

Click here to learn more about the Online Pitch Training Program and to register your interest.

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.

Click here to learn more about available grants

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!