18/06/2026
HMAS Sydney departs for regional deployment ahead of RIMPAC 2026
HMAS Sydney, an advanced Hobart-class guided-missile destroyer, has departed for its 2026 Regional Presence Deployment, beginning with Exercise RIMPAC in the United States before conducting further engagements across the Indo-Pacific. Following HMAS Toowoomba’s recent return, this mission aligns with the 2026 National Defence Strategy to strengthen regional security and maritime awareness alongside allies. Vice Admiral Justin Jones emphasized that these activities, conducted under international law, are essential for maintaining a peaceful and stable region while exercising freedom of navigation.
https://asiapacificdefencereporter.com/hmas-sydney-departs-on-regional-deployment-ahead-of-rimpac/
09/06/2026
New aerial surveillance contract strengthens Australia's border security capabilities
The Australian Border Force has awarded US-based Matrea a contract for maritime surveillance starting January 1, 2028. Replacing Leidos Australia, Matrea will operate eight Beechcraft King Airs and three Bombardier Global 6500 jets equipped with advanced radar, optical sensors, and communications systems. Transition arrangements are in place to ensure operational continuity until the new fleet begins providing enhanced national coverage.
Source: https://psnews.com.au/australian-border-force-awards-new-aerial-surveillance-contract/179284/
02/06/2026
Mulwala Munitions Factory Selected for Rocket Motor Manufacturing:
The Australian Government has selected Northrop Grumman Australia as the preferred industry partner to establish domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing at the Government-owned Mulwala munitions factory in New South Wales. An initial investment of AU$126.9 million will fast-track Australian production of rocket motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) by 2030. A dedicated Rocket Motor Manufacturing Complex, planned to be operational from 2033, will deliver high-rate production of multiple solid rocket motor types. This initiative will strengthen Australia's defence supply chains, create highly skilled regional jobs in NSW, and open new opportunities for small and medium enterprises to enter the global market. DefendTex, Black Sky Industries and Anduril Australia will also explore novel manufacturing methods under the program.
https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2026-04-30/australia-takes-leap-forward-self-reliance-launch-rocket-motor-manufacturing
11/11/2025
Australian and European companies sign MoU to explore MISTRAL missile manufacturing in Sydney
Australian defence company NIOA and European missile manufacturer MBDA have signed an MoU to explore joint manufacturing and supply-chain cooperation of the French-made MISTRAL short-range air-defence missile. Announced at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney on 5 November 2025, the deal could enable Australian production of MISTRAL warheads, marking Australia as the first country outside France to manufacture the system.
https://www.manmonthly.com.au/nioa-mbda-eye-mistral-manufacture/
04/11/2025
USA’s Anduril company’s first “Ghost Shark Drones” starts production at new Sydney factory
Australia’s Navy is entering a new era of lethal power with its first “Ghost Shark” underwater vessel, marking a new chapter in defence technology. Built by US company Anduril, the 5.8-metre vessel operates without a crew and is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and attacking enemy submarines and ships. The Federal Government is investing AUD 1.7 billion to produce dozens of these drones at a new facility in Sydney for the Royal Australian Navy. The first vessel will now undergo undersea testing before an expected delivery to the navy in January 2026.
https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/first-anduril-ghost-shark-undersea-vessel-rolls-off-production-line-at-new-sydney-factory/news-story/9811a7eac2e219e90f862b5983956fa0
