22/06/2026
KONGSBERG Australia Exports First Australian-Made Defence Consoles to Europe
KONGSBERG Australia has exported its first batch of Australian-made Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Coastal Defence System (CDS) consoles to a NATO nation. Manufactured and tested in South Australia with local partners REDARC, QPE, and Eylex, the hardware shares commonality with the Australian Army’s NASAMS. This milestone highlights the capacity of Australia’s defence industry to deliver high-tech capability to international markets while supporting sovereign production.
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/kongsberg-australia-exports-first-batch-of-australian-made-consoles-to-europe/
18/06/2026
UK and Australia strengthen defence and security ties at AUKMIN 2026
On 10 June 2026, UK and Australian Foreign and Defence Ministers held the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) in London. Amidst a deteriorating global security environment, Ministers reaffirmed their partnership to promote peace, economic resilience, and human rights. Regarding the Middle East, they called for de-escalation, supported the US-Iran ceasefire, and emphasized that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. They condemned Iranian regional attacks, demanding the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law. Ministers also highlighted their mutual military support, including Australia’s deployment of E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and missiles, and the UK’s defensive air operations, pledging continued coordinated diplomatic and military action.
https://www.miragenews.com/uk-australia-issue-joint-statement-after-aukmin-1690075/
02/06/2026
Defence Manufacturing & Industry
South Australia's Defence Industry Surpasses $2 Billion in Economic Value:
South Australia's defence industry reached a major milestone in 2024–25, generating $2.015 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) — a 4 per cent increase on the previous year and more than double the $977 million produced in 2019–20. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics confirms South Australia leads all major states on a per capita basis in both defence economic activity and defence employment. The state's defence industry growth reflects major investments in the AUKUS submarine program, Hunter-class frigate construction, and the Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF).
https://premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-items/sa-defence-company-supplies-us-navy-as-local-industry-hits-$2-billion
Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility (DMMF) Launched at Edinburgh
South Australia's landmark $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility has been launched adjacent to RAAF Base Edinburgh in northern Adelaide. Set to be delivered on budget and ahead of schedule, the facility will enable long-term deep maintenance of the RAAF's P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft onshore. More than 60 per cent of the 1,800 tonnes of structural steel used in the project was sourced from the Whyalla Steelworks, reinforcing sovereign capability and local manufacturing. The US Navy's MQ-4C Triton aircraft will also undergo maintenance at the facility, further cementing South Australia's role in allied defence sustainment.
https://defencesa.com/news-events-and-media/news/
$3.9 Billion Down Payment for Osborne Submarine Construction Yard
The Australian and South Australian Governments have announced a $3.9 billion initial investment to deliver the new Submarine Construction Yard in Osborne, as part of the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program. Australian Naval Infrastructure projections show an estimated total investment of $30 billion over coming decades.
https://www.asa.gov.au/news/billions-in-funding-for-south-australian-submarine-construction-yard
Adelaide-Based Silentium Defence Establishes US Headquarters
Adelaide-based Silentium Defence is establishing a US headquarters in Apex, North Carolina, to accelerate North American expansion. The company has appointed Matthew Ratnesar as CEO North America and Sam Macmillan as CFO to lead growth across allied markets. The move aims to meet rising demand for Silentium's passive radar technology, which provides covert surveillance for air, missile, and space defence applications.
https://defencesa.com/news-events-and-media/news/silentium-defence-expands-us-footprint/
26/05/2025
University-level Combat Systems Micro-Credential has been introduced
South Australia's Deputy Premier, Susan Close, and Defence Trailblazer have launched Australia's first credit-ready Combat Systems Engineering Micro-Credentials to strengthen national security. Under Defence Trailblazer’s Industry Upskilling Program, the micro-credentials were co-developed with the University of Adelaide, UNSW, and Lockheed Martin Australia. The new micro-credential suite includes six courses covering systems engineering, radar systems, command and control, C4ISREW systems and technology, defence systems, and mission engineering. Delivered by the University of Adelaide and UNSW in a flexible hybrid model, learners can complete individual courses or the full suite based on their career goals
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/australias-first-university-level-combat-systems-micro-credential-launches/
18/05/2026
SA Manufacturer Secures Place in AUKUS Defence Supply Chain
Adelaide’s Century Engineering has become the first Australian company to enter the US naval nuclear supply chain, securing a contract with HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding to manufacture precision cranks for aircraft carriers. Qualified through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification Program, the company will begin production at its Edinburgh North facility within weeks. This milestone marks the first inclusion of an Australian manufacturer in the AUKUS industrial base and coincides with South Australia’s defence sector reaching a record $2.015 billion in economic activity.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/sa-firm-enters-aukus-supply-chain/
