March 2026 newsletter

The Northern Territory will host its fifth annual Defence Week from 27 April to 1 May, with this year’s event taking a future‑focused approach, featuring an expanded Northern Australia Defence Summit, more networking opportunities, and fresh insights into the Territory’s critical role in national security.

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

The momentum is building. Lock in your place at these high‑impact events while you still can.

Monday 27 April

ICN NT Defence Speed Networking – 1pm to 4pm

The event provides defence primes and large contractors with direct access to Northern Territory suppliers and offers local businesses the opportunity to meet key Defence decision-makers and a platform to showcase their capabilities and develop connections.

Register for ICN NT Defence Speed Networking.

Chief Minister’s Welcome Reception to NT Defence Week – 5:30pm to 7pm

The Chief Minister’s Welcome Reception provides an opportunity for local, interstate and international delegates to enjoy the picturesque surroundings and stunning view of the Darwin horizon at Parliament House.

Register for the Chief Minister’s Welcome Reception to NT Defence Week.

Tuesday 28 April

Master Builders NT 2026 Defence Week Breakfast – 7am to 9am

A breakfast conversation shaping the future of Defence Construction in Northern Australia, featuring a deep dive into ‘Building the North, Strengthening the Nation’.

Register for Master Builders NT 2026 Defence Week Breakfast.

ADM Summit – 9.00am to 4:30pm

The 13th edition of the Defence Summit will focus on the strategic importance of Northern Australia, its role in the wider Indo-Pacific region, and its significance to national and regional security. The conference will feature Ministers, senior Defence personnel, industry leaders, SMEs, academics and strategic analysts covering a range of topics considering ADF Capabilities in the North, investment in infrastructure projects and Defence as a driver for local economic growth.

Register for the ADM Summit.

AIDN Gala Dinner and Industry Awards – 6:30pm to 11pm

The evening features announcement of the Chief Minister’s Awards for Excellence in the Defence Industry, Minister for Veterans’ Community Awards, and AIDN Industry Awards. It’s a great opportunity to connect, enjoy quality entertainment and hospitality, and welcome guests from across the Defence and industry community.

Register for the AIDN Gala Dinner and Industry Awards.

Wednesday 29 April

Forum 1: Army’s Pivot to Littoral Manoeuvre Operations – 9am to 12:30pm

This half-day forum will examine the development of the Australian Army’s littoral manoeuvre force across northern Australia for infrastructure, workforce and industry, and how partners can support accelerated delivery. Through Defence insights and expert panels, attendees will explore practical opportunities to strengthen the sovereign capability needed for Army’s operational readiness in the region.

Register for Forum 1: Army’s Pivot to Littoral Manoeuvre Operations.

Forum 2: Contested Logistics in the Region – 1:30pm to 5pm

This forum explores the growing opportunities for industry in the region examining what contested logistics means in the Indo-Pacific and how Northern Australia can strengthen supply chains, sustainment and infrastructure. Speakers from Defence, the US and regional experts will outline upcoming needs, capability gaps and pathways for engagement.

Register for Forum 2: Contested Logistics in the Region.

Thursday 30 April

Charles Darwin University’s Innovation in the North Coffee Catch-up – 8am to 9:30am

A focused event highlighting CDU’s applied research, technical expertise and workforce capability supporting Defence in the North. Aligned with the Defence Week theme Northern Capability, National Defence, the showcase will explore emerging capability needs and opportunities for collaboration, helping strengthen local industry participation and build the sovereign capacity Australia requires.

Register for Charles Darwin University's Innovation in the North Coffee Catch-up.

Opportunities in the NT, Beyond the Defence Sector – 10:30am to 12pm

An overview of the NT’s broader economic prospects across energy, digital, infrastructure and logistics—sectors that complement and create new opportunities for businesses looking to engage more deeply in the Territory’s growing defence industry. This is a free event and seats are limited.

Register for Opportunities in the NT, Beyond the Defence Sector.

Navy 125 Industry Base Tour – 11am to 2pm

This guided tour offers an inside look at Australia’s evolving naval capability showcasing state-of-the-art maritime infrastructure, cutting-edge technologies and the strategic assets underpinning their operations. The tour provides a rare opportunity to explore the Navy’s expanding sovereign capability and the significant industry partnerships supporting its future growth.

Registrations will be open soon for the Navy 125 Industry Base Tour.

Networking Sunset Cruise – 5pm to 8pm

This event will provide an ideal networking opportunity while experiencing the Darwin Harbour sunset. This cruise will take participants on a tour around the Harbour to showcase both Darwin’s enabling infrastructure and natural beauty.

Register for the Networking Sunset Cruise.

Friday 1 May

NT Indigenous Business Network Coffee Catch-up – 9am to 11am

This event will explore how to make the most of Procure Connect, the Blak Business Directory, and the benefits of NTIBN membership to strengthen visibility, capability, and access to procurement opportunities across the Northern Territory.

Register for the NT Indigenous Business Network Coffee Catch-up.

DefenceNT is excited to welcome this sideline event to the NT Defence Week program. DECnet’s Darian Macey will present an overview of the NT Defence infrastructure project outlook for 2026. This session is designed for engineers and business professionals seeking a clear, practical snapshot of upcoming Defence capital works and infrastructure opportunities across the Northern Territory.

For more information check out the NT Defence infrastructure projects outlook.

_{Image credit: QDSA LinkedIn page} 

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. The 2025 CRG program was themed around Littoral Operations, and 3 projects have been awarded. Among the winners, Charles Darwin University secured funding for a project that will enhance Defence capability in contested coastal environments.

CDU’s winning project: Corrosion behaviour of additively manufactured nickel aluminium bronze (NAB) for reliable littoral propulsion systems

Led by CDU in partnership with James Cook University, SPEE3D and the Australian Institute of Marine Science. This project will investigate NAB – a key alloy used in marine components and how it performs when produced using SPEE3D’s cold spray additive manufacturing technology. The research will examine how these components handle harsh coastal conditions, including salinity and wear, helping support more reliable, locally manufactured parts for Defence vessels.

DefenceNT supported CDU's membership of QDSA, further strengthening its ability to collaborate on strategic Defence research.

Congratulations to Krishnan Kannoorpatti and the team at Charles Darwin University!

The Defence and Industry Study Course (DISC) is a key program fostering strong Defence-industry engagement to enhance Australian Defence Force capability and national security. The course is designed for senior executives and leaders working in Defence and industry sectors. It is conducted over 4 one-week modules between May and December 2026 and will include a series of industry and base visits, as well as networking opportunities.

Submit your expression of interest to join the course via the DISC nomination form.

Closing date: Tuesday 24 March at 5pm AEDT.

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: AMDA Foundation Limited events

Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN): AIDN events

Consult Australia: Consult Australia events

Industry Capability Network (ICN): ICN upcoming events

Master Builders Northern Territory (MBNT): MBNT events

Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce (Chamber NT): Chamber NT event list

Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN): NTIBN events

Jakarta treaty’s real test may be rhetorical, not military - The Strategist

National security will suffer if Defence keeps cutting northern presence - The Strategist

Australia needs northern engine to power defence - The Strategist

The Northern Engine: Building Australia’s northern national defence ecosystem - ASPI

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.

Request for expressions of interest - Advanced Capabilities Investment fund

The Australian Government is seeking proposals from the private capital market to co‑invest in Australian businesses developing defence and dual‑use advanced capabilities through the Advanced Capabilities Investment fund. The request for expressions of interest (REOI) is now open to identify one or more suitable private capital partner/s to potentially manage the investment.

This REOI closes 30 April 2026.

For more information visit AusTender.

Estate Works Program: tender forecast for 2026

The Estate Works Program is set to deliver 25 infrastructure and maintenance projects across the NT, supporting safety, compliance and Defence capability. The upcoming works include 18 projects valued at $1 to 4 million, 5 projects between $4 to 8 million, and 2 projects over $8 million, with most activity centred on RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal. Territory businesses are encouraged to keep an eye out for upcoming tender opportunities.

For more information go to the Estate Works Program Tender Forecast webpage.

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.