October 2026 newsletter

^{Jimmy Kiploks, General Manager, DefenceNT presenting on how investment in Northern Territory infrastructure can support Defence capability and operational readiness at Land Forces 2026.}

DefenceNT led a Northern Territory delegation of 24 Territory businesses, peak bodies and academia to Land Forces 2026, held in Perth from 6 to 8 October 2026.

Land Forces 2026 attracted around 22,000 attendees bringing together Defence, government and industry to discuss challenges and opportunities shaping future land capability. The exposition featured 1,011 exhibitors from 31 countries, around a quarter of them international, along with a conference program of 66 presentations by 144 speakers.

Participation in Land Forces 2026 generated valuable opportunities for Northern Territory industry, with post-event survey results highlighting new business leads and strong networking outcomes.

All organisations surveyed reported making meaningful industry and Defence connections, while 80% established 6 or more new business leads during the event. Every respondent expects these connections to generate future business opportunities or commercial outcomes.

'For a small, regional business like ours, this opportunity would have been difficult to achieve without the invaluable support of DefenceNT and the Industry Capability Network (ICN),' said Territory Water Solutions.

Land Forces 2026 outcomes highlight the value of national defence trade shows in helping Territory businesses build industry networks, showcase their capabilities and position themselves for future opportunities in the defence sector.

NT Defence Week will be returning in 2027, bringing together Defence, government, industry, academia and international partners to explore the opportunities, capability and partnerships needed to accelerate national defence from the north.

The week will be held in Darwin from 19 to 23 April, with the theme ‘Forward from the North: Accelerating National Defence’. It will showcase the Territory's strategic role in supporting Defence readiness from the north.

The Australian Defence Magazine Northern Australia Defence Summit and associated forums will be held from 20 to 21 April 2027 along with panel discussions and networking events.

The full program is currently being developed. Find out more about NT Defence Week.

^{Image courtesy of Australian Government Defence}

DefenceNT will lead a Northern Territory delegation to the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2027, held from 23 to 26 February 2027 in Avalon, Victoria.

Avalon is one of the region’s largest aerospace and defence events and Territory businesses and organisations are invited to join the delegation and be part of the Territory’s presence at the event. This opportunity gives Territory businesses a valuable opportunity to showcase their capability, meet Defence and prime contractors and build new partnerships.

Find out how to submit an expression of interest for Avalon 2027 or email defencent@nt.gov.au.

DefenceNT is now on LinkedIn. Make sure you follow us for the latest information on DefenceNT activities, trade shows, industry events, business opportunities and news from across the defence sector.

Follow us on LinkedIn.

Team Defence Australia (TDA) is seeking expressions of interest from Australian companies wishing to join Australian industry delegations to Defence and Security Equipment International Germany 2027 and the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Interested companies can submit an expression of interest through TDA’s Gateway by ICN webpage.

The Department of Defence has released a revised Estate Works Program Tender Forecast, formerly known as the Forward Works Program.

The forecast outlines upcoming Defence estate and infrastructure projects expected to go to tender. It gives industry early visibility of opportunities so businesses can plan resources, build partnerships and prepare to bid.

There are over 40 opportunities listed in the Forecast across Defence’s Northern Territory estate. Territory businesses in construction, engineering, maintenance and related services are encouraged to review the forecast for opportunities.

For more information, go to the Australian Government Defence website.

The Northern Territory Government's Cyber Invest Business Program 2026/27 now provides grants of up to $20,000 per financial year to help eligible small and medium-sized businesses. Funding can be used to improve cyber security, strengthen resilience and protect business and customer data.

Applications are open and close on 15 January 2027. To apply, go to the GrantsNT 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

Team Defence Australia (TDA): TDA events

Disaster resilience is not the place for shifting fiscal burden

Australia and Canada face similar northern logistics problems

The Northern Territory must become an operational ecosystem

The Australian Army’s emerging littoral force needs a northern logistics system

Not just immigrant numbers: the issue is also where Australia needs workers

LAND6504 Medium Range Ground Based Air and Missile Defence

Department of Defence is seeking responses as part of the competitive evaluation process for LAND6504, which will deliver a Medium Range Ground Based Air and Missile Defence capability for the Australian Defence Force. The project aims to accelerate the introduction of a proven, mobile missile defence system while maximising opportunities for Australian industry participation and sovereign capability development.

Tender closes on 26 November 2026

For more information, go the AusTender website.

Market Sounding - Northern Territory Solar Farms Operation and Maintenance

Department of Defence is seeking industry feedback to inform a future procurement for operations and maintenance services for Defence solar farms in the Northern Territory including the operation, monitoring and maintenance of the facilities.

For more information and to provide feedback, go to the AusTender website.

Responses close on 20 November 2026.

AusTender

Free to use and where you can find Australian Government opportunities, annual procurement plans and contracts award announcements.

For more information, go to the AusTender website.

BenchOn

Where you can access opportunities with government agencies and Primes through BenchOn Industry Portals.

To find out more, go to the BenchOn website.

Gateway by ICN

Where you can find Australia and New Zealand’s largest network of suppliers and projects.

For more information, go to 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.

For current information on available grant programs, go to the Australian Government 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, go to 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.