February 2026 newsletter
With the updated National Defence Strategy expected mid-year, Australia is once again defining what it must be prepared to defend, deter and sustain. The Northern Territory (NT) will be central to turning those ambitions into credible capability and continues to demonstrate its critical role in enabling and supporting Defence requirements.
Exercise Pitch Black returns from 20 July to 7 August, bringing global attention back to the NT. The 2024 exercise saw record participation and community engagement, sending a clear message about the Territory’s ability to deliver the infrastructure, logistics and operational support needed for complex multinational exercises. It further reinforces our reputation as a dependable partner in Australia’s defence posture.
Looking ahead, NT Defence week 2026 will be another landmark event highlighting the Territory’s role in the national defence landscape. The program is now live online for locals to register for events offering early bird rates.
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Members of the newly established Defence Industry Council during their first meeting.The NT Government launched a new Defence Industry Council to accelerate defence investment, strengthen local industry capability and secure long term economic opportunities for Territorians.
The 8-member council, comprised of Territory-based industry leaders, work with the chief minister and provide coordinated, high-level strategic guidance to support the growth of the NT defence sector. Its role is to position the Territory as a national defence and maritime sustainment hub, ensuring the region captures the full benefits of significant Australian and US defence infrastructure investment.
The council’s priorities include shaping the forthcoming NT Defence Strategy, advocating for Darwin as a primary Army littoral base, and supporting the development of the Northern Marine Complex, including the Darwin Ship Lift.
For local defence businesses, this initiative presents substantial opportunities. Increased participation in major defence projects, stronger alignment between government and industry, and improved access to long-term contracts will help local firms scale their operations, attract investment, and create skilled jobs across the Territory.
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NT Defence week returns for its 5th year from 27 April to 1 May 2026, anchored by the theme Northern Capabilities, National Defence. This theme underscores how the Territory’s strategic location, infrastructure, and industry capability strengthen the nation’s defence posture and long-term resilience.
As strategic priorities shift and the National Defence Strategy shapes Australia’s force posture, the NT remains pivotal to national security as a platform for operations and a hub for sustainment in the Indo-Pacific.
NT Defence week is the premier platform to showcase this evolving role. It highlights the Territory’s industry capability, infrastructure development and unique strategic advantages while bringing together defence, government and industry to explore how Northern Australia can continue to be delivering the capabilities the nation requires.
Don’t miss this annual opportunity to engage with key decision-makers, industry experts across defence, space, and international collaboration in your community.
SMEs receive special rates, with additional discounts for local businesses, and ADF/Department of Defence personnel attend free for selected events.
More details on the NT Defence week.
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The Chief Minister’s Awards for excellence in the defence industry recognise the people and businesses driving growth, innovation and capability across the Northern Territory’s defence sector.
If you’re strengthening local defence industry, supporting Defence operations, or contributing to Australia’s national security.
- Be recognised during NT Defence week 2026
- Finalists receive 2 tickets to the AIDN NT Awards and Gala Dinner - Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Submit your nomination for the excellence in defence industry awards.
Nominations close on Friday 27 February 2026.
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The Master Builders NT 2026 defence week offers delegates a valuable forum for discussion focussed on defence infrastructure and the opportunities it creates for the Territory.
Seats fill fast, don’t miss your opportunity to be in the room where the Territory’s defence future is being shaped.
Secure your ticket today!
- Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026
- Time: 7am to 9am
- Location: Darwin Convention Centre
To find out more information and to register, go to the Master Builders NT website.
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Re-enactment of the Bombing of Darwin on the day of 84th commemoration at the Esplanade, Darwin.The commemoration of the Bombing of Darwin on Thursday, 19 February 2026, offered Territorians a moment to pause and reflect on the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience shown 84 years ago.
Attendance at this year’s commemorations included United States Senator Tim Kaine and Consul-General of Japan Osamu Yamanaka, underscoring the enduring partnerships forged from the lessons of the past. Their presence highlighted NT’s ongoing strategic importance within the Indo-Pacific and the strength of international defence cooperation.
From the ashes of 1942, Territory has emerged as a symbol of endurance, now standing at the forefront of Australia’s modern defence strategy and infrastructure transformation.
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Two Italian Eurofighter Typhoons take off for a night mission during Exercise Pitch Black 2024.
Image credit: Nigel Pittaway Photos, ADM websiteExercise Pitch Black, the Royal Australian Air Force’s largest biennial flying exercise, returns from 20 July to 7 August 2026.
Led by Australia, the exercise brings together the U.S. Air Force and a wide range of allies and partners to strengthen combined air operations and enhance interoperability across the Indo‑Pacific.
The 2024 exercise marked a record year, with 20 participating nations, more than 140 aircraft, and over 4,000 personnel arriving in Darwin. This unprecedented scale highlights the NT’s growing capability and its significant untapped potential as a hub for advanced defence activity across land, sea, and air. The Territory’s expanding infrastructure is enabling more complex, integrated operations than ever before.
This year’s event will again offer a rare opportunity for the community to see advanced military aircraft up close and meet air and ground crews from around the world.
Key public dates will be announced soon, so keep an eye on upcoming newsletters for updates.
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The proposed Northern Marine Complex.The NT Government has formally declared the Northern Marine Complex a Territory development area marking a major step in advancing the region’s maritime and defence‑support capabilities.
The declaration brings the Darwin Ship Lift and Marine Industry Park under a single, coordinated development framework designed to strengthen governance, streamline delivery and attract private investment.
Located at East Arm, the 246‑hectare precinct includes a 5,500‑tonne ship lift, multi‑vessel dry‑dock capacity, a purpose‑built industrial subdivision and a 10.3‑hectare common‑use hardstand.
This infrastructure development positions Darwin as a one-stop maritime hub capable of supporting defence, commercial and international vessels operating across northern Australia and the Indo‑Pacific.
The Ship Lift project is the Territory’s largest infrastructure investment a major public investment designed to strengthen industry development by expanding local capability and increasing capacity to service a greater volume and diversity of maritime activity. This uplift in capability will enable local businesses to grow, attract new commercial opportunities, and support a more competitive and resilient supply chain.
In turn, the project is expected to stimulate job creation, deepen the Territory’s skilled workforce, and generate long‑term economic benefits for local industry and the broader community.
For more information, contact the Office of the Territory Coordinator by emailing otc@nt.gov.au.
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This section showcases upcoming defence-focused events and seminars delivered by industry associations, media, and partner organisations. It is intended to support business engagement and knowledge sharing across the defence sector.
Readers are encouraged to follow the links provided for full event details, registration information, and updates.
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AusTender is free to use and where you can find Australian Government opportunities, annual procurement plans and contracts award announcements.
BenchOn access opportunities with government agencies and Primes through BenchOn Industry Portals.
ICN Gateway Australia and New Zealand’s largest network of suppliers and projects.
SAM.Gov the official US government system for contracting opportunities and contract award reports.
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The grants and programs finder is the Australian Government’s central website for all grant and funding products available throughout Australia.
To find out more, go to the Australian Government's Business website.
Defence 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.
For current information about the grant programs, go to the Australian Government's Defence website.
Industry growth program offers
The program provides an advisory service for startups and small and medium enterprises undertaking innovative commercialisation and/or growth projects that are within the priority areas of the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund and help build Australia’s manufacturing capability for the future.
Find out more about industry growth program on the Australian Government's Business website.
Australian Submarine Agency
Over the next 30 years, the Australian Government will invest $30 billion into Australia’s Industrial Base for industry, infrastructure and workforce development in support of AUKUS.
For more information on grants and funding, go to the Australian Government's Australian Submarine Agency website.
