March 2025 newsletter

Minister Cahill with 2 members of the NT industry delegation, Aaron from CfAT and Bryan from Tindal Air

DefenceNT, alongside local industry delegates, joined the Avalon Australian International Airshow and Defence Exposition in Melbourne from 25–28 March 2025. With over 900 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge products, services, and technologies, Avalon was the perfect opportunity for DefenceNT to engage with stakeholders to attract investment, foster collaboration, and create new business and employment opportunities.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, the Honourable Robyn Cahill OAM, led the Territory’s delegation demonstrating the Government’s commitment to strengthening defence industry.

DefenceNT would like to thank the NT delegation, including Shorelands Group, Tindal Air, North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems, Centre for Appropriate Technology, and Territory Instruments, for their time and efforts at Avalon.

With just four weeks to go, NT Defence Week 2025 is fast approaching, and places are filling up quickly!

Taking place from 28 April to 2 May, this year’s program is set to be future focused, featuring an expanded Northern Australia Defence Summit program, multiple networking opportunities, and exclusive insights into the NT’s vital role in defence and national security.

This is your chance to engage with ADF representatives, prime contractors, and industry leaders, gain first-hand knowledge of cutting-edge innovations, and explore opportunities to collaborate in a rapidly evolving defence landscape.Spots are limited – don’t miss out!

View the full program and secure your place now at NT Defence Week | DefenceNT

NT Defence Week Event: DefenceNT Facilitated Symposia

As part of the NT Defence Week program, the Facilitated Symposia sessions will be held on 30 April 2025, from 12.00 PM to 5.00 PM at the Darwin Convention Centre to provide a unique platform to engage in targeted discussions on small business participation, regional investment, innovation, and research and development. The event will feature short panels, forums, and case studies, with the rooms focused on different themes, delivering key insights into defence sector trends, challenges, and emerging global market opportunities.

To learn more about each of the topics being discussed at the event, and to register, visit: NT Defence Week | DefenceNT  or view the program PDF (2.6 MB).

NT Defence Week Event: Enabling Infrastructure Sunset Cruise

This experience is an opportunity to undertake some casual networking while experiencing the beauty of a Darwin Harbour sunset. This cruise will take participants on a tour around Darwin Harbour to showcase some of the Territory’s enabling infrastructure from a unique perspective.

Event Details

When: Thursday, 1 May | 5.00 PM – 8.00 PM
Where: Darwin Harbour

Dress Code: Business Casual

Secure Your Spot: NT Defence Week | DefenceNT

On Thursday March 20^th, 250 local Territorians, including members of DefenceNT and the NTG Veterans team, took part in the annual RAAF to Robbo walk to support Solider On. Stepping off at 5.30am, they walked the 12 kms from the front of the Darwin RAAF base to the gates of Robertson Barracks. The walk was broadcast live on Mix 104 and raised funds to support Solider On and prevent veteran suicide.

Solider On provides holistic support services that enable current and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their families to lead meaningful civilian lives.

Soldier On in Darwin is supported by the Northern Territory Government and Sitzler.

April also means Anzac Day. A time to reflect and commemorate on those who have, and those who continue to serve and defend our Nation. It is also a time to #CheckYourMates. The #CheckYourMates campaign is a peer led suicide prevention project as a part of Operation Thrive. It encourages people to reach out to 5 mates, whether it’s over a coffee, going for a fish or a hit of golf – have a yarn together and be an active listener. Motivate your mates to check on 5 other mates or encourage one another to seek further support if needed.

Remember, a call or a connection at a tough time, can make a difference.

A joint industry and government delegation, supported by DefenceNT, brought together six Northern Territory businesses and industry groups to successfully advance key objectives through the "Partnering for Strength" workshop. This initiative facilitated direct engagement with US Defence construction firms, creating new opportunities for NT businesses in Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

A key milestone was the introduction of Industry Capability Network NT (ICN-NT) services to US industry leaders, which generated strong interest and positive engagement. As a direct outcome of the delegation’s efforts, several key US stakeholders have confirmed upcoming visits to the Territory, further strengthening ties and positioning the NT for future US Force Posture Initiative (USFPI) and Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI) projects.

DefenceNT engaged with dozens of US businesses at this conference, showcasing the Northern Territory’s strategic location, industry expertise, and infrastructure capability. As part of this ongoing collaboration, US contractors will participate in NT Defence Week 2025, taking place from 28 April to 2 May, to explore investment opportunities and strengthen partnerships.

^{Northern Territory’s strategic location cannot be overstated” – Lucas Fiddaman, DefenceNT. (Image: Consult Australia)}

March has seen DefenceNT make its way to Canberra for the Collab X 2025, a forum for shaping the future of Australia’s defence estates. With over 300 attendees, including leaders from the Defence Security and Estate Group, industry consultants, and infrastructure experts, the event highlighted opportunities within the Federal Government’s $45 billion defence infrastructure investment plan.

DefenceNT delivered a keynote address on ‘Enabling Defence Needs in the Northern Territory’, and used this platform to showcase the Northern Territory’s industrial maintenance, supply, and infrastructure capabilities, reinforcing its strategic role in Australia’s defence posture.

The presentation also highlighted the requirement for defence leaders and major industry players to advocate for clear project pipelines, adaptive procurement policies, and stronger collaboration—critical steps to attracting investment and ensuring NT businesses can meet increasing defence demands.

The Darwin Ship Lift Project has reached a key milestone with the arrival of two caisson templates, marking the beginning of marine infrastructure construction. These templates will be used to build the first seawalls, paving the way for this transformative development.

The open-access, multi-user facility will establish Darwin as a premier hub for marine maintenance and servicing in northern Australia. As the only functional deep-water harbour in the region, Darwin harbour will be equipped to support industries including Defence, coastal shipping, offshore petroleum, fishing, pearling, and the Australian Border Force.

The Australian Naval Classification Authority (ANCA) will be hosting a free information session in Darwin on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, focusing on the newly authorised Australian Naval Classification (ANC) Framework.

Local maritime industry is strongly encouraged to participate for this session to enhance knowledge on:

• The latest developments in the ANC Framework and progression of ANC Rules
• A deeper understanding of Defence Seaworthiness and its connection to the ANC Framework
• A unique opportunity to engage directly with Assistant Secretary, Mr. Colin Dagg CSC, and
• Network with industry and Defence representatives.

For full event details and registration, visit: Australian Naval Classification Authority Forum - Darwin

The Land Environment Working Group (LEWG) 2025 is approaching, and we encourage all interested industry partners to participate in this pivotal event. Scheduled for 25–26 June 2025 in Canberra, LEWG 2025 serves as the Australian Army's premier engagement with industry, offering direct insights into current and future capability priorities and investment plans.

For registration and further information, please visit the LEWG event page

Leidos Australia is inviting expressions of interest from Australian industry, including SMEs and Indigenous enterprises, to support the delivery of Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) capabilities for upcoming opportunities in 2025 and beyond.

This is part of Leidos’ commitment to expanding Australian industry capability and providing local businesses with opportunities to join their supply chain.

Interested businesses are encouraged to register on the Leidos Building Sovereign Capability | Leidos or contact michaella.edelstein@au.leidos.com for potential collaboration.

Seeker Design Study and Industrialisation

Scope: The Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Seeker Technology Development Program (TDP) is a collaboration between the Commonwealth, Lead Industry Partner(s), and Australian SMEs, with the aim of designing, developing, and producing a prototype for future GWEO systems. The Commonwealth plans to commence a Seeker Design Study in Q3 2025, awarding up to two contracts for the conceptual design and development plan.

Closing Date: 14 April 2025

More Information: Visit 50827: AusTender

Establishment of a Panel Arrangement for Level 2 ETC Services - 24AMSA280

Scope: Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is seeking Service Providers who can provide ETC2 services capable of providing First Strike Capabilities.

Closing Date: 3 April 2025

More Information: Visit 24AMSA280: AusTender

AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025: Undersea Communications and Autonomy

Scope: AUKUS partners are seeking to research and develop innovations to enable the synchronisation and teaming of multiple undersea systems. You are invited to submit a response to Stage 1 of this competition via this this Invitation to Register

Closing Date: 28 April 2025

More Information: Visit AUKUS02-2025-ITR: AusTender

Opportunities

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.

Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program 2025–26

The Australian Government is inviting organisations via a demand driven process to apply to deliver services under the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) Program from 2025 to 2026. BEST Program is intended to assist the veteran and defence communities.

Closes 28/04/2025

For full details and requirements, visit GO7571: GrantConnect

Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Grants – Round 26

CRC is an open and competitive grants opportunity that funds collaborations to solve industry-identified problems for industry, research, and the community. Eligible activities include new research, concept activities, conferences, workshops, and communications industry-focused education and training.

Closes 29/04/2025

For full details and requirements, visit GO7463: GrantConnect

C41 Logistics Solution

The Department of Defence is conducting an Industry Briefing as part of a Request for Information (RFI) to assess industry capabilities in delivering Logistics C4I solutions.Businesses with relevant expertise are encouraged to participate and contribute to this critical Defence initiative.

Closes 1/04/2025

For full details and requirements, visit DDG/C41: AusTender

BAE Systems Australia Releases Defence Industry Guide

BAE Systems Australia has launched a comprehensive guide for companies looking to enter Australia’s defence industry. This resource provides valuable insights into navigating the sector, understanding procurement processes, and meeting industry requirements.

Designed to support new entrants, the guide highlights key opportunities, regulatory considerations, and pathways to collaboration with Defence and major primes.

This is an essential tool for businesses seeking to contribute to Australia’s national security and defence capability.

You can download a digital copy by accessing Global Access Program - GAP | BAE Systems