June 2026 newsletter

Australian Government Defence, Defence imagery collection.

Exercise Pitch Black, Australia’s biennial international air combat exercise, will return to the Northern Territory from 20 July to 7 August 2026.

The 2026 iteration will bring together 19 participating nations and more than 100 aircraft, reinforcing international partnerships and strengthening interoperability between allied air forces.

Exercise Pitch Black plays a critical role in demonstrating capability, readiness and collective security for Australia and the Indo-Pacific. It ensures the Royal Australian Air Force remains prepared to respond when required.

The NT Defence Strategy highlights the growing importance of major exercises like Pitch Black as Defence strengthens its northern posture and regional partnerships. Delivering these activities relies on resilient supply chains, capable infrastructure and a skilled local workforce.

The exercise also creates opportunities for industry, driving demand across logistics, sustainment, construction and professional services, while building long-term capability in the Territory.

The Northern Territory community will once again have the opportunity to experience the exercise firsthand, with chances to view participating aircraft both in the air and on the ground and to engage with military personnel from around the world.

Key dates

Mindil Beach Flypast
Thursday 23 July 2026
Military aircraft will conduct flypasts and aerial displays between 5pm and 6:30pm.

RAAF Base Darwin Open Day
Saturday 1 August 2026
A free community event (tickets required) offers a unique opportunity to view operational aircraft up close and meet air and ground crews.

For more information about the open day, go to the Air Force website.

Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition is Australia’s premier international land defence exposition and the leading platform for engagement between defence, industry and all levels of government. The exposition will be held in Perth from 6 to 8 October 2026.

Land Forces 2026 presents a significant opportunity for Northern Territory businesses to promote capability, develop partnerships and access national and international markets.

The delegation will promote the Territory’s strategic advantages and support local businesses to engage with Defence and industry stakeholders.

DefenceNT display 2025.

The following Northern Territory businesses have been selected to join the delegation:

The Chief Minister’s 'Sharing Our History, Securing Future Peace' study tour to Okinawa, Japan marked a new initiative of the Northern Territory Government.

Following a highly competitive selection process, seven Year 10 students from across the Territory were selected to participate in the tour from 20 to 29 June 2026. During the program, they explored Australia and Japan’s shared military history in the region, visited significant cultural and historical sites, and participated in learning activities at Naha International High School in Okinawa.

The study tour provided students with a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of the Australia-Japan relationship and gain insight into the importance of international partnerships in supporting regional security, economic cooperation and long-term peace.

The program was recognised by the Australian Embassy in Japan as an official event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, highlighting the enduring partnership between our 2 nations.

This investment in young Territorians supports the Territory's long-term priorities by fostering skills, relationships and global perspectives that contribute to a resilient economy, a capable workforce and a connected community.

Thank you to the students and their families for participating in this inaugural program and representing the Northern Territory with pride.

Students with Darwin High School history teacher Yuliya Snoxall.

Defence Industry, Supply Chain and Sustainment

Supported by the Northern Territory Government and delivered by the NT Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the awards recognise the businesses, exporters and individuals helping drive economic growth, innovation and opportunity across the Territory.

For the first time, the Defence Industry, Supply Chain and Sustainment category has been introduced. This category recognises Northern Territory businesses operating within the defence sector that demonstrate strong capability, innovation, and sustained contributions to supply chain and sustainment outcomes.

The award highlights businesses that not only deliver high-quality products and services but also strengthen the broader defence ecosystem.

This is an opportunity for local defence businesses to be recognised for their contribution to the Territory’s economic growth.

For more information and submission, go to the NT Chamber of Commerce and Industry website.

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.

• Industry Capability Network (ICN): ICN upcoming events
• Master Builders Northern Territory (MBNT): MBNT events
• Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce (Chamber NT):  NT Chamber events
• Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN): NTIBN events
• AMDA Foundation Limited: AMDA Foundation Limited events
• Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN): AIDN events
• Consult Australia: Consult Australia events
• Charles Darwin University: CDU events
• Engineers Australia: Events

• Japanese training at Darwin offers more combined-force value than Townsville
• How to build a northern Australia economic hybrid zone
• Northern Australia needs an elite First Nations crisis capability program
• Women in cybersecurity are crucial in the AI era
• Darwin Dialogue 2026: the conversation is over. It's time for implementation

Defence Estate Capital and Sustainment Works Program - industry briefing notice

The Department of Defence's Security and Estate Group invites industry to attend the Defence Estate Capital and Sustainment Works Program industry briefing. The purpose is to provide industry with an update on Defence estate matters, including planned upcoming procurement opportunities across capital facilities and infrastructure projects.

Closing date: 12 August 2026.

For more information, go to AusTender - CFI-20260825.

EST10003 RAAF Base Tindal Renewable Energy Microgrid - design services

The Department of Defence (DSRG) seeks to establish the Defence-Ready Indigenous supplier list for participation in building construction, support, maintenance and repair services. Indigenous businesses holding WHS accreditation scheme accreditation are invited to submit their information.

Closing date: 29 June 2026.

For more information, go to AusTender - DCET2026-01A.

AusTender

Free to use and where you can find Australian Government opportunities, annual procurement plans and contracts award announcements. For more information visit the AusTender website.

BenchOn

Where you can access opportunities with government agencies and Primes through BenchOn Industry Portals. To find out more visit the BenchOn website.

Gateway by ICN

Where you can find Australia and New Zealand’s largest network of suppliers and projects. For more information visit the Gateway by ICN website.

SAM.gov

The official US government system for contracting opportunities and contract award reports. To learn more go to the SAM.gov website.

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. Current information on available grant programs can be located at the Defence website.

Industry Growth Program offers

The program provides an advisory service for start-ups 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 and help build Australia’s manufacturing capability for the future. For more information visit the Industry Growth Program 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 Submarine Agency website.