NT Defence Week
27 April to 1 May
Northern Capability, National Defence: Building the North and Strengthening the Nation.
NT Defence Week is the Northern Territory Government’s flagship annual program showcasing the Territory’s strategic role in Australia’s defence posture and Indo-Pacific engagement. Across a packed week of events, the program brings together Defence, industry, government and international partners for briefings, forums, tours and networking to showcase capability, investment opportunities and regional collaboration. The week is designed to strengthen relationships, support industry growth and reinforce the NT’s position as a critical enabler of national defence and resilience.
NT Defence Week 2026 will profile the Northern Territory’s critical role in Australia’s Defence and national security. This year’s theme, “Northern Capability, National Defence” highlights how the Territory’s strategic location, infrastructure, and industry capability strengthen the nation’s defence posture and long-term resilience.
What’s in store for 2026
Expanded Northern Australia Defence Summit
The Summit features senior Defence leaders and expert panels exploring ADF capabilities in the north and the Indo-Pacific, industry development, major infrastructure investment, and strengthening Defence–industry relationships.
Comprehensive Event Line-Up
From deep dive sessions and industry tours to networking events and the Chief Minister’s Defence Industry Excellence Awards, the week is packed with opportunities to learn, engage, and collaborate.
Whether you’re an industry leader, expert in your field, veteran, policymaker, or Defence stakeholder, NT Defence Week 2026 offers a unique opportunity to connect, share insights, and help shape the future of Defence in Northern Australia.
Plan your week in one place. More information and event registration.
Download the full program for NT Defence Week 2026 PDF (1.3 MB)
Event details
-
Industry Capability Network NT’s Defence Industry Speed Networking
Following the success of previous years, Industry Capability Network NT will host the Defence Industry Speed Networking, as part of NT Defence Week.
This event facilitates targeted one-on-one meetings between prime contractors, key suppliers and local businesses involved in Defence projects and operations across the Territory.
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Chief Minister’s Welcome Reception to NT Defence Week and the Northern Australia Defence Summit
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.
Time: 5:30pm to 7pm
Invitation only event offered to attendees of the ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit.
-
Master Builders NT 2026 Defence Week Breakfast
A breakfast conversation shaping the future of Defence Construction in Northern Australia, featuring a deep dive into ‘Building the North, Strengthening the Nation’.
Time: 7am to 9pm
Australian Defence Magazine’s Northern Australia Defence Summit
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.
Time: 9:10am to 5pm
AIDN NT Gala Dinner and Industry Awards
The AIDN NT Gala Dinner and Industry Awards brings together Defence, industry and government to celebrate the Territory’s achievements.
The evening features the announcement of the 2026 AIDN NT Young Achiever, alongside the Chief Minister’s Awards for Excellence in the Defence Industry and the Minister for Veterans’ Community Awards. It’s a great opportunity to connect, enjoy quality entertainment and hospitality, and welcome guests from across the Defence and industry community.
Time: 6:30pm to 11pm
-
Australian Defence Magazine’s Half-Day Forums
Building on the strategic discussions of the Northern Australia Defence Summit Day 2 will include two half-day forums designed to translate high-level insights into practical, capability-shaping conversations. These sessions provide a deeper examination of the operational, infrastructure and industry requirements driving Defence activity in northern Australia.
Forum 1: Army’s Pivot to Littoral Manoeuvre Operations
Australia’s Army is shifting to a littoral manoeuvre force able to operate and sustain capability across northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific. This half-day forum will examine what this shift means 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.
Time: 9am to 12:30pm
Forum 2: Contested Logistics
As Australia and the United States expand cooperation under enhanced force posture initiatives, the North is emerging as a key hub for pre-positioning, sustainment and theatre logistics.
This forum explores the growing opportunities for industry as US activity in the region increases, 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.
Time: 1:30pm to 5pm
Thales Friends of the Territory Networking
The Friends of Territory Networking Function at the Darwin Convention Centre brings together senior leaders from Defence, industry and government, providing a rare opportunity to build influential relationships and play an active role in shaping future opportunities in the Northern Territory.
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Invitation only event.
-
Charles Darwin University’s Innovation in the North Coffee Catch Up
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.
Time: 8am to 9:30am
Opportunities in the Northern Territory Beyond the Defence Sector
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.
The session will be presented by Ms Hayley Richards, CEO of the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, followed by a Q&A moderated by DefenceNT.
Time: 10:30am to 12pm
Larrakeyah Defence Precinct – Defence Industry Day
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.
Time: 1pm to 3pm
ASPI NT Defence Industry Forum
Presented by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) and Defence NT, this invite-only forum to be held during NT Defence Week 2026.
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Invitation only event.
DECnet Networking Sunset Cruise
One of the highlights of last year’s Defence Week, the Harbour Cruise returns in 2026, providing 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.
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Navy 125 Ceremonial Sunset Reception
Offered by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Defence NT, this invite-only Reception to be held during NT Defence Week 2026.
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Invitation only event.
-
NT Indigenous Business Network’s Coffee Catch-up – Membership and Procurement
Join the NT Indigenous Business Network for Coffee — a relaxed and informative session connecting Indigenous businesses, government, and industry.
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.
Time: 9am to 11am
Chamber of Commerce NT Defence Innovation, Engagement & Capacity Tour
This guided tour showcases the Territory’s growing defence industry capability, highlighting innovative local businesses, advanced manufacturing facilities, and key enablers supporting Defence operations in the North. Participants will gain firsthand insights into the technologies, skills, and capacity emerging in the NT, while connecting directly with industry leaders driving solutions for Defence and national resilience. Designed for visiting delegations, the tour provides a unique window into the Territory’s expanding sovereign industrial capability.
Time: 12pm to 4:30pm
Chamber of Commerce NT Networking Drinks and Canapes
Join local and visiting Defence, industry and government representatives for an informal evening of conversation, connection and collaboration to close out Defence Week for 2026. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce NT, this relaxed networking event provides an easy opportunity to meet new contacts, strengthen relationships and exchange ideas in a social setting.
Time: 4:30pm to 6pm