WA’s world-class defence industry showcased to international delegates attending IODS 2026
Invest and Trade Western Australia (WA) proudly hosted an International Delegate Briefing alongside the Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference and Exhibition (IODS) 2026.
Organised by Defence West, IODS brings together senior leaders from across government, industry and academia to explore shared regional challenges, capability development and sovereign industry growth.
The briefing welcomed more than 70 delegates attending IODS 2026 to the Fremantle Sailing Club to showcase WA’s world-class industrial and export defence infrastructure.
WA’s Minister for Defence Industries, Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, opened the briefing with an address that reinforced WA’s position as a gateway to the Indo-Pacific and a vibrant industrial hub that plays a crucial role in enhancing Australia’s strategic and economic position.
The Minister also elaborated on how WA is an innovator developing the energy systems that will power the next generation of defence capability.
We were pleased to be joined by Agent General for WA in the United Kingdom and Europe region, Rebecca Tomkinson, who presented on WA’s economy and the strategies guiding its diversification and decarbonisation approach.
The briefing also featured a lively panel discussion facilitated by Sonja Montague-MacKay, Executive Director of Investment Attraction and Facilitation at Invest and Trade WA. She was joined by:
- Rebecca Tomkinson, Agent General of WA,
- Linda Dawson, Head of Defence Industries at Department of the Premier and Cabinet; and
- Dr Ross Kelly, Executive Director of Policy, Planning and Innovation at Department of Training and Workforce Development.
Together, they covered a diverse range of topics from attracting global investment to industry capability and workforce development.
Ms Tomkinson discussed the recent release of Western Australia: a global leader in investment and trade and why WA is an attractive place for global investors looking at opportunities in defence capability and industry development.
Ms Dawson gave an overview of the several major projects planned over the next decade, particularly along the Western Trade Coast, and the strategies in place to ensure WA companies are integrated into defence supply chains.
Dr Kelly emphasised that workforce capability is a critical pillar of WA’s defence ecosystem. He discussed strategies to ensure both the local workforce and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) are equipped to capitalise on defence opportunities both locally and with international partners.
To close, attendees enjoyed WA’s premium produce and panoramic sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
To learn more about one of the fastest growing and most dynamic industry sectors in WA, visit our Defence Industries sector webpage.
Published on: 27 May 2026
Defence
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