Defence industries

A robust defence industry with a broader and deeper defence industrial base that is respected, innovative and competitive.

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Invest & Trade WA - Defence

We are building a robust defence industrial base that is respected, innovative and competitive

The Western Australian defence sector supports our Defence Forces and significantly contributes to our nation’s defence requirements. We have a competitive, flexible and resilient defence industry with a long and successful history. Western Australia has strong, advanced manufacturing capabilities supported by tertiary institutions that are world class and truly at the forefront of the next generation of defence technologies and innovation.

The defence sector in WA works across defence’s 5 operational domains: information and cyber; maritime; air; space; and land.

Quick facts

$3 billion will be invested in WA Defence facilities annually

The largest undercover shipbuilding hall in the Southern Hemisphere

50 industry-academic connections facilitated by the Defence Science Centre 

Highlights

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Broad sector expertise

Western Australia has a respected, innovative and competitive defence industry that is focussed on: naval shipbuilding and sustainment; a growing space sector; aerospace sustainment; and activities in diverse fields such as communications, clothing, and information systems.

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Defence West

Defence West is part of the team at the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, the primary Western Australian Government agency responsible for strengthening and diversifying the economy, and creating jobs.

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Defence science collaborations in WA

Industry and the state’s leading universities are undertaking significant research and development to support the Department of Defence and Australian Defence Force and are supported by the WA Government.

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Australian Marine Complex

The Australian Marine Complex (AMC) is a world-class centre of excellence for manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, technology, repair and maintenance activities for the marine, defence and resource industries.

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Department of Defence Infrastructure in Western Australia

Opportunities to tender for upgrades of infrastructure and facilities in Defence establishments across Western Australia.

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WA Defence Industry Capability Directory

The Western Australian Directory of Defence Industry Capabilities highlights local businesses with the capacity and expertise to support emerging defence projects.

Why Western Australia

In Western Australia you will find: 

  • world-class industrial and export defence infrastructure, with some of the world's largest ports
  • access to land, infrastructure, water, power, suppliers, research centres and skilled workers
  • the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) located in Henderson, approximately 23km south of the Perth city centre is a world-class centre of excellence for manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, technology, repair and maintenance activities for the marine, defence and resource industries
  • world-leading innovation undersea and unmanned systems, cyber security, command & control systems and space domain related technologies
  • achievements in defence-relevant research collaborations among universities, industry and defence.

Discover Western Australian projects currently seeking investment.

Visit WA Investments

Opportunities

Large Vessel Dry Berth Early Market engagement

The WA Government is looking to understand the current market interest in the development of a large vessel dry berth at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson, WA. A large vessel dry berth at the AMC would support the large-hulled vessel build and sustainment needs of the Department of Defence and Royal Australian Navy, and attract new commercial opportunities.

Defence Technology Precinct

The Australian Marine Complex (AMC) features the dedicated 24ha Technology Precinct to support research and development activities critical to the defence, resources and marine sectors. Western Australia is transforming into a leading hub for marine, defence and resources technology and innovation.

Defence Science Centre

The Defence Science Centre (DSC) supports universities, small-to-medium enterprises and other organisations by facilitating connections that transform research and industry challenges into defence science capabilities. The DSC offers a coordinating role for visitors, such as prime contractors and global research agencies.

Australian Marine Complex Planning Studies

Through an agreement between the Department of Defence and the WA Government, up to $9 million in Australian Government funding is being provided to undertake planning studies at the AMC. These studies will assess options presented in the AMC SILUP and will inform the development of future infrastructure.

More information

CASE STUDY

WA manufacturer secures defence export deal

Matrix Composites & Engineering in Western Australia is home to Australia’s largest composite manufacturing plant and the largest hyperbaric test facility in the Southern Hemisphere. For more than 20 years, Matrix has been supplying the global oil and gas industry and recently successfully pivoted into the defence sector, reaching new clients around the world.

News

The Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment was co-hosted in Perth

Ministers, Senior Government Officials, and leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered in Perth to discuss emerging issues and investment and trade priorities.

Get in touch

If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA.

Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.

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