11/11/2025
An Australian battery will power the AUKUS submarine
South Australian company PMB Defence has secured a contract to integrate its advanced battery systems into the AUKUS submarine program, partnering with BAE Systems in the UK to develop nickel zinc batteries for next-generation submarines and other Royal Navy vessels. PMB, a leader in submarine battery systems, currently supplies batteries for Australia's Collins-class submarines. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy emphasized the importance of Australian innovation and the contract's potential to create high-skilled jobs. AUKUS is projected to generate around 20,000 direct jobs across Australia in the next three decades.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/australian-battery-tech-to-power-aukus-subs/
AUKUS Skills Agreement to Boost Defence Workforce
Announced on 6 November (building on a September pact), the federal and South Australian governments signed a historic AUKUS skills initiative allocating $150 million over five years to train 5,000 workers in advanced manufacturing and nuclear submarine technologies at Osborne shipyards. This policy aims to address skills shortages in the $50 billion AUKUS program, creating 1,000 immediate apprenticeships and aligning with SA's Defence Industry Development Strategy. Premier Malinauskas described it as a "game-changer" for regional economies in Whyalla and Port Augusta region.
04/11/2025
SA reaches half-way mark in first multibillion-dollar Hunter frigate warship build
Nearly 2,000 South Australians are working at Osborne shipyard to build the first Hunter Class frigate, assembling it piece by piece like a giant Lego set. Business Insight interviews BAE Systems’ build director to explore how it's being put together. About 1800 workers are halfway through building the first of six Hunter Class frigates at Osborne. BAE Systems’ Acquisition and Build Director Andy Coxall told InDaily the project is running on schedule, with completion expected by mid-2032, as planned with the Federal Government.
https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/business/2025/11/03/sa-reaches-half-way-mark-in-first-multibillion-dollar-hunter-frigate-warship-build
26 Aug, 2025
$80 million export deal to Europe for South Australian defence manufacturer
South Australian-made guided weapons systems will soon be exported to countries across Europe including Poland, Spain, and Denmark. The announcement of two major export deals by Kongsberg Defence Australia, worth a combined $80 million, was made on 14 August 2025 at the company’s production facility at Mawson Lakes’ Technology Park. Under the export deal, a $30 million contract will see Kongsberg Defence Australia deliver Naval Strike Missile Coastal Defence System Command and Control Consoles to Poland, the first such export contract since the company was added to the Commonwealth’s Global Supply Chain Program last year. Also announced was a $50 million order for Australian-made Naval Strike Missile Launcher Systems to be exported to Spain and Denmark. The exports are part of the Australian Government’s investment in the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise and are underpinned by a commitment in Defence’s Integrated Investment Program of $16 to $21 billion over the next decade.
15 July, 2025
Gilmour Space collaborates with Space BD to advance aerospace innovation
Australia's Gilmour Space Technologies and Japan's Space BD Inc have formed a strategic partnership to offer satellite launch services from North Queensland, enhancing opportunities for customers in the Asia-Pacific. Space BD will provide dedicated and rideshare launches using Gilmour's Eris and ElaraSat platforms from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport, selected for its favorable orbital access. Gilmour's Eris rocket, a three-stage vehicle for small satellites, is viewed as a vital service for regional resilience and supply chain assurance. David Jervis from Gilmour expressed excitement over the collaboration, while Mia Lee from Space BD highlighted its potential to strengthen Japan-Australia cooperation and support global customers in space missions. The partnership positions both companies to capitalize on the increasing demand for launch services in the region.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/gilmour-space-and-space-bd-join-forces/
24 June, 2025
Supporting South Australian defence businesses to go global
The South Australia Government is investing $3.3 million over two years to help local businesses develop capabilities for the SSN-AUKUS submarine program. This initiative aims to maximize benefits to the local economy and integrate SA businesses into global supply chains for nuclear-powered submarines. With over 400 local businesses involved in Defence, the state is poised for significant industrial transformation. The Defence Supplier Uplift Program will offer financial and technical support to help local suppliers meet requirements for US and UK naval shipbuilding. This program builds on a successful pilot, including collaboration with Huntington Ingalls Industries and progress for five local companies toward participating in the Virginia class submarine program.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/supporting-south-australian-defence-businesses-to-go-global/
