February 2025 newsletter
With less than four weeks to go, the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025 provides opportunities to enable engagement with Australian and Allied Defence Forces, as well as industry leaders from around the world. DefenceNT is leading an industry delegation to the event to promote industry capability and promote opportunities. Read the article below to learn more.
The program for NT Defence Week 2025 is now live. This year’s program features a suite of events designed to complement the expanded Northern Australia Defence Summit, fostering deeper engagement between Defence, prime contractors, and local businesses. Make sure you register for events across the week.
Congratulations to Charles Darwin University for being successful in securing Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) funding for ground-breaking defence projects under the QDSA Collaborative Research Grants program. In total, there are 5 projects spanning the Northern Territory and Queensland that will develop real-world technologies to tackle Defence’s most pressing challenges and represent a combined total value of $3.6m over an 18-month period.
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It was a Thursday morning, with the temperature settling at 32 celcius, a typical seasonal day in Darwin. For many Territorians, it seemed like any other day.
But at 9:58 am, the peaceful routine was shattered. The air-raid sirens wailed—four piercing blasts, each lasting 30 seconds, separated by five-second pauses. Moments later, the first bomb struck Darwin soil, hurling rocks, dirt, and debris into the air. In an instant, the town’s sense of safety was disturbed and replaced by chaos and destruction. The Bombing of Darwin on 19 February 1942, was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on our homeland.
This year’s commemoration paid tribute to those who lost their lives and honoured the service members and civilians who selflessly assisted others, bravely defended their country, and dealt with the aftermath. Among the attendees were many schoolchildren, a testament to the enduring memory of those who defended our nation 83 years ago. Their presence embodied the Australian spirit and our unwavering sense of nationalism.
The ceremony was deeply commemorative, beginning with a Welcome to Country and featuring speeches by the Chief Minister, Federal representatives, and the Commander of Darwin’s 1st Brigade. Their words reinforced the resilience and strength of the Territory, reminding all in attendance of the courage shown in the face of adversity.
Earlier in the day, a solemn commemoration was held at The Esplanade in honour of the USS Peary, which was sunk during the bombing. The service paid tribute to the 91 American sailors who lost their lives when the destroyer was struck by Japanese aircraft. Representatives from the United States laid wreaths alongside Australian dignitaries, reaffirming the enduring alliance between the two nations.
This year also saw a visiting presence from Japan, acknowledging the shared history and commitment to reconciliation. A separate memorial was conducted for the Japanese submarine I-124, which was sunk off the coast of Darwin on 20 January 1942. This commemoration reflected a broader recognition of all lives lost during the conflict, fostering a spirit of remembrance and respect among former adversaries.
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NT Defence Week 2025 returns from 28 April to 2 May, highlighting the Territory’s strategic significance in Australia’s national defence strategy while showcasing capabilities, cutting-edge technologies, and collaboration opportunities with industry.
This year’s theme, “Uplifting Industry Across the North to Meet Capability Demands of the ADF, Allies, and Partners,” highlights the Territory’s vital role in supporting regional security and driving defence innovation.
This year, the expanded Northern Australia Defence Summit extends to one and a half days, featuring keynote addresses and panel discussions with ADF leaders, government officials, strategic analysts, and industry representatives.
NT Defence Week 2025 is your opportunity to connect with decision-makers, forge industry partnerships and explore long-term opportunities. Don’t miss out!
View the full program and secure your spot now at DefenceNT website.
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As part of the NT Defence Week celebrations, DefenceNT invites you to nominate yourself, a business or someone you know for the Chief Minister’s Awards for Industry Excellence or the Minister for Veterans' Affairs Awards.
The Chief Minister’s Awards for Industry Excellence celebrate businesses making outstanding contributions to Defence capabilities in the Northern Territory, while the Veteran’s Affairs Awards recognise and celebrate businesses and individuals within the Veteran Community who demonstrate exceptional contributions.
Don’t miss your chance to nominate and celebrate the outstanding contributions to the local defence industry and the veteran community.
Nominations close 29 March 2025.
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The Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA) Collaborative Research Grant (CRG) program fosters partnerships between academia and industry to advance Defence capabilities in the Northern Territory and Queensland. This year, five projects have been awarded up to $250,000 each, contributing to a $3.6 million co-investment over 18 months.
Among the winners, Charles Darwin University (CDU) secured funding for two cutting-edge initiatives that will enhance Defence capabilities in the Territory and beyond. DefenceNT supported CDU's membership of QDSA, further strengthening its ability to collaborate on strategic Defence research. These projects mark a significant step in transforming research into real-world applications, strengthening local industries and national security.
CDU’s Winning Projects:
Integrating long-range cargo UAVs into the battlespace
Led by CDU and in partnership with Griffith University and SAI Dynamics Pty Ltd, this project aims to develop and trial the delivery of medical supplies via Australian-made heavy-fuel Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This technology will improve logistics resilience and warfighter safety in remote and contested environments.
Autonomous Littoral AI Marine Threat Detection System
Led by Griffith University and in partnership with CDU and EPE Pty Ltd, this project will create an integrated mobile system using uncrewed ground vehicles, aerial systems, and electromagnetic sensors to detect sub-surface threats and bathymetric changes in littoral environments.
These initiatives highlight the Northern Territory’s and Queensland’s commitment to Defence innovation through strategic research and collaboration.
Congratulations to Charles Darwin University and all involved in these groundbreaking projects!
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DefenceNT is attending the Avalon Australian International Airshow, Aerospace and Defence Exposition in Melbourne from 25-30 March 2025.
Avalon provides a key opportunity for DefenceNT to engage with senior representatives from the Australian Defence Force (ADF), allied and partner forces and international defence prime contractors and suppliers.
DefenceNT will use Avalon to promote the Territory as a strategic location for training and air power projection with the objective of attracting investment from defence and industry, and increase the sustainment and maintenance capability of local industry.
DefenceNT is leading a roving delegation of Northern Territory businesses and stakeholders and facilitate engagement opportunities with key decision-makers.
If you’re attending or interested in participating, please reach out to Shani Carson to discuss how DefenceNT can support you at the event.
Contact: Shani.carson@nt.gov.au
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Team Defence Australia (TDA) are calling for expressions of interest (EOI) to co-exhibit as part of the Australian industry delegation at multiple international trade events.
TDA is the national platform for Australian defence industry to showcase their goods, services, technologies, and solutions at international trade events. As part of the TDA delegation, companies will receive free space on the custom-built national pavilion, providing a platform to showcase and demonstrate your capabilities face-to-face with the foreign delegations, and industry partners. Additionally, delegates will receive services to maximise participation at the show, including pre-event support, market advice and business-to-business
With the year kicking off, this is a fantastic opportunity to participate and showcase Northern Territory’s capability to enter into new markets. You’re invited!
For more information, please visit the Australian Government Defence website.
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The RAAF Base Darwin Mid-Term Refresh program is a strategic initiative by the ADF aimed at enhancing the base’s resilience and operational capacity. The project addresses critical infrastructure needs to support the strategic objectives of ADF.
The Mid-Term Refresh project designed enhancements to the heavy vehicle entrance, including signalisation and upgrades at the Stuart Highway and Bombing Road intersection. It will also replace the potable water, fire water, and sewer reticulation networks on the Base. The project is scheduled to commence construction in late 2025, aiming for completion by 2027 and $159.9 million has been allocated.
It was great to see several work packages recently open for local businesses with 2 work packages that remain open until next month. ICN has also advised they expect to see further work package become available in the near future.
To learn more about the project and upcoming opportunities visit the Gateway by ICN website.
Contact ICN NT to speak with the team to express you interest in other future opportunities on (08) 8922 9422.
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The NT Government has planned to promote military tourism in the Northern Territory, reinforcing our status as Australia’s first battlefield.
This initiative has received $3 million from the NT Government to enhance military tourism in the region. The program will enhance visitor experiences by upgrading military heritage tourism sites and developing new infrastructure. A user-friendly AI trip planner will also be introduced to generate personalised itineraries tailored to individual preferences.
The project marks a significant step in transforming, the Northern Territory as Australia’s premier military tourism destination, offering unique experiences that honour its historical and contemporary military significance while strengthening local industries.
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Request for Information - DGMSS Autonomous Hull and Propeller Cleaning System
Scope:The RAN as represented by Department of Defence (DSRG) is seeking an alternative solution to current practices and consider autonomous technologies could deliver improved biofouling management practice, reducing risks to personnel while improving environmental compliance and operational readiness.
Closing Date: 7 March 2025
More Information: Visit NMP2125/RFI/001: AusTender
Request for Information - Joint Project 8218 Theatre Logistics-Deployable Camp Infrastructure Sub-program
Scope: To understand the maturity of available Deployable Camp Infrastructure solutions, existing support and sustainment networks, and industry’s capacity to rapidly deliver capability into service.
Closing Date: 14 March 2025
More Information: Visit LSD/RFI/54755/1: AusTender
PPIP-VAN-PVCPS Port Vila Central Police Station, George Pompidou, Vanuatu – Head Contractor (Desing and Construct)
Scope: The project aims to improve operational capacity of the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) through the delivery of a fit-for-purpose facility to house law enforcement personnel and specialist units.
Closing Date: 18 March 2025
More Information: Visit AZ6575: AusTender
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Industry Grants
Defence provides a range of grants to support industry. These grants assist Australian small and medium enterprises in expanding to meet Defence capability needs and join global Defence industry supply chains.
Current information on available grant programs can be located at Australian Government Defence website.
Cooperative Research Centres Projects Round 17
This grant supports short-term (up to 3 years), industry-led research collaborations with the Department of Industry, science and Resources to develop a new technology, product or service.
Closes 20/03/2025
For full details and requirements, visit Grant Opportunity View - GO7081: GrantConnect