Defence industries
A robust defence industry with a broader and deeper defence industrial base that is respected, innovative and competitive.
We are building a robust defence industrial base that is respected, innovative and competitive
Western Australia is known for its innovation, competitiveness, and adaptability, and is backed by a rich and successful history of supporting Australia’s national defence while contributing to the State.
The defence industry is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic industry sectors in Western Australia. We continue to proudly support Australia’s enduring national interests and Defence priorities. As the gateway to the Indo-Pacific and a vibrant industrial hub, Western Australia plays a crucial role in enhancing our nation’s strategic and economic position.
The Western Australia Defence and Defence Industry Strategy 2025 addresses activations for six major pillars: workforce; infrastructure; industry; community; research and innovation; and veterans.
Quick facts
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Home of HMAS Stirling, the nation's largest operational naval base
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Over $808m contributed to the State's economy in 2023-24
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Over 250 defence industry businesses in WA
By 2040, Australia will:
Be the homeport and sustainment location for Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered sovereign submarines delivered under AUKUS Pillar 1, and continue to homeport and sustain Collins class conventional submarines through to retirement
Continue to host Australia’s largest operational naval base and provide sustainment for the Navy’s surface fleet, including the new Hunter class and general purpose frigates, and deliver highly capable maritime capabilities to the Navy and Army in support of the Australian Government’s continuous naval shipbuilding enterprise
Have grown our capabilities across all the other defence domains, and leveraged opportunities presented under AUKUS Pillar 2.
Be established as a vital contributor to the nation’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance production capability including substantial weapons and ordnance stockpile sites.
Host robust and resilient defence capabilities in northern Western Australia, aligned to the Australian Government’s defence priorities.
Have grown the economic and social return of the defence industry for our local communities, Western Australia and the nation.
Why Western Australia
In Western Australia you will find:
- world-class industrial and export defence infrastructure, with some of the world's largest ports
- access to land, infrastructure, water, power, suppliers, research centres and skilled workers
- the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) located in Henderson, approximately 23km south of the Perth city centre is a world-class centre of excellence for manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, technology, repair and maintenance activities for the marine, defence and resource industries
- world-leading innovation undersea and unmanned systems, cyber security, command & control systems and space domain related technologies
- achievements in defence-relevant research collaborations among universities, industry and defence.
Opportunities
Large Vessel Dry Berth Early Market engagement
The WA Government is looking to understand the current market interest in the development of a large vessel dry berth at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson, WA. A large vessel dry berth at the AMC would support the large-hulled vessel build and sustainment needs of the Department of Defence and Royal Australian Navy, and attract new commercial opportunities.
Defence Technology Precinct
The Australian Marine Complex (AMC) features the dedicated 24ha Technology Precinct to support research and development activities critical to the defence, resources and marine sectors. Western Australia is transforming into a leading hub for marine, defence and resources technology and innovation.
Defence Science Centre
The Defence Science Centre (DSC) supports universities, small-to-medium enterprises and other organisations by facilitating connections that transform research and industry challenges into defence science capabilities. The DSC offers a coordinating role for visitors, such as prime contractors and global research agencies.
Australian Marine Complex Planning Studies
Through an agreement between the Department of Defence and the WA Government, up to $9 million in Australian Government funding is being provided to undertake planning studies at the AMC. These studies will assess options presented in the AMC SILUP and will inform the development of future infrastructure.
More information
WA manufacturer secures defence export deal
Matrix Composites & Engineering in Western Australia is home to Australia’s largest composite manufacturing plant and the largest hyperbaric test facility in the Southern Hemisphere. For more than 20 years, Matrix has been supplying the global oil and gas industry and recently successfully pivoted into the defence sector, reaching new clients around the world.
The Ministerial Council on Trade and Investment was co-hosted in Perth
Ministers, Senior Government Officials, and leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered in Perth to discuss emerging issues and investment and trade priorities.
Get in touch
If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA.
Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.