January 2026 newsletter
Welcome to 2026! This year begins with a renewed focus on collaboration between local businesses, the defence industry, and government. Together, we are strengthening the role of northern Australia in supporting strategic defence and national security priorities.
From major military exercises like Exercise Pitch Black, to our annual flagship defence and industry engagement event, NT Defence Week, the months ahead focus on developing the defence industry ecosystem we need in the Territory. These efforts are central to enabling current and future defence and national security operations, building workforce capability, and contributing to the Territory’s economic growth.
In this issue, you will also find web links to tenders, grants, and opportunities to support your business and foster growth in the defence sector.
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NT Defence Week returns in 2026 from 27 April to 1 May. This flagship event in the Territory’s calendar aims to promote collaboration and strategic dialogue between government, Defence, industry (both large primes and local SMEs), Indigenous businesses, and international partners to showcase the Territory’s defence capability.
This year’s theme, “Northern Capabilities, National Defence” highlights the vital role that Territory-based industries, infrastructure, and our strategic location in the Indo-Pacific region play in supporting Australia’s defence readiness and long term resilience. It emphasises the growing opportunities for collaboration across the Territory and contribute to national security.
The Northern Australia Defence Summit, a key feature of the NT Defence Week, will now run over two days, focusing on strategic policy and high-level industry dialogue.
NT Defence Week 2026 is your opportunity to connect with decision-makers, establish industry partnerships and explore long-term opportunities.
For NT Defence Week program details and further information, go to the defence.nt.gov.au.
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Image: NT Defence Week 2025.The Australian Defence Magazine (ADM) Northern Australia Defence Summit, held from 28–29 April, will spotlight Northern Australia’s pivotal role in Australia’s defence strategy and national security.
As a cornerstone event of NT Defence Week 2026, the Summit brings together senior Defence leaders, policymakers, industry executives, and regional experts to explore the strategic importance of the northern Australia. Through high level discussions on defence policy, capability development, industry partnerships, and regional dynamics, the Summit provides deeper insight into why the Territory’s location, infrastructure, and industry capability are essential to Australia’s defence posture and long term resilience.
As part of NT Defence Week 2026, the Summit serves as a vital forum to connect, collaborate, and contribute to shaping the future of Defence in northern Australia.
The early bird rates for the Summit are available through Informa Connect Australia.
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As part of NT Defence Week, 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 Excellence in the Defence Industry celebrate businesses making outstanding contributions to Defence capabilities, innovation, and growth across the Northern Territory’s defence sector.
Finalists will receive 2 tickets to attend the Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) NT Awards and Gala Dinner, where awards will be presented by the Chief Minister, the Hon. Lia Finocchiaro.
Don’t miss your chance to nominate and celebrate the outstanding contributions to the local defence industry and the veteran community.
Nominations close 27 February 2026.
Submit your nomination now!
For more details about Excellence in Defence Industry Awards, go to Defence NT.
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Image credit: Team Defence Australia websiteTeam Defence Australia (TDA) has opened expressions of interest (EOI) to co-exhibit as part of the Australian industry delegation at multiple international trade events for 2026.
TDA provides a national platform for Australian defence industry to showcase their technology, products, services and solutions on the global stage. Delegates receive free exhibition space within the Australian national pavilion, offering direct access to international partners, foreign delegations and potential new markets.
With the 2026 program now underway, Northern Territory businesses have a valuable opportunity to promote local capability and expand their presence in global defence supply chains.
Upcoming tradeshows and associated deadlines, please visit the International trade events in Australia Government's Defence website.
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ServiceStream
Service Stream specialises in the design, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of critical assets across Australia’s essential infrastructure networks. It has secured a long-term base services contract providing Property and Asset Services across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
The Service Stream team is offering opportunities for new employees and subcontractors to join the organisation in delivering a range of services that support nationally significant infrastructure and defence operations.
Applications: Open now
For more details, visit Defence PAS Contract Information Hub in ServiceStream website.
Raytheon – Powered by Collins Initiative
The Powered by Collins Initiative invites deep tech small-to-medium sized enterprises to work with a leader in aerospace and defence through targeted collaboration opportunities which represent technologies critical to the industry's future.
In addition to previous collaboration opportunities, Collins has now expanded the program with the launch of the Powered by Collins ecosystem on Switchpitch – an online startup relationship management platform that helps to connect startups with enterprises, investors and technology accelerators.
For more details, visit current collaboration opportunities in Powered by Collins Initiative website.
Vulcan-5
Vulcan-5 is a digital technology scouting and collaboration platform designed to connect Defence, industry and research partners to identify and mature emerging technologies relevant to national security and defence capability.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has recently secured a licence to operate the platform, enabling Australian participation in a trusted, global innovation network.
Defence is seeking to participation from Australian SMEs, researchers and technology developers to contribute insights, respond capability needs and showcase innovation through the platform. Participation provides opportunities to engage directly with the Defence and allied partners and to position Australian capability within future Defence programs. companies.
For more details, visit Vulcan website.
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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.
Australian Defence Magazine (ADM): ADM Events
AMDA Foundation Limited: Events – AMDA Foundation Limited
Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN): Events – AIDN
Consult Australia: Events – Consult Australia
Industry Capability Network (ICN): Upcoming Events – ICN
Master Builders Northern Territory: Events – Master Builders NT
Chamber of Commerce NT: Event list – Chamber of Commerce NT
NT Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN): Events – NTIBN
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Why Australia needs an aerospace testing range in the Northern Territory - ASPI
Needed: massive computing power in the Northern Territory - ASPI
The north isn't small, our thinking may be - ASPI
What a tanker’s dash to Darwin says about our lamentable fuel security - ASPI
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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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Department of Defence - ISG seeks to establish a Panel to provide psychological, welfare of members of the Defence Intelligence Group and the Australian Signals Directorate. Services required under the Panel are anticipated to include psychological, workplace wellbeing and psychiatry services.
This RFT closes 11 February 2026.
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The grants and programs finder is the Commonwealth 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.
Current information on available grant programs can be located at defence.gov.au.
Industry Growth Program offers
The program provides an Advisory Service for startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) undertaking innovative commercialisation and/or growth projects that are within the priority areas of the Australian Government’s National Reconstruction Fund (NRF) and help build Australia’s manufacturing capability for the future. Industry Growth Program.
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 click here Grants and funding | Australian Submarine Agency.