Overview
The Australian defence sector is estimated to generate sales of over A$22 billion and employ close to 85,800 people in 2006-07.
Exports are mostly confidential but are estimated to exceed A$600 million.
The homeland security industry is smaller with leading sectors being in information technology, services and innovative equipment.
Defence markets involve government buyers and do not operate on a conventional commercial basis. Homeland security buyers can include the private sector although again Government buyers dominate. Global supply chains have emerged as very significant. Participation can involve difficulties over and above those encountered in a direct export opportunity, however, it may also open the door to a much larger global market.
Defence markets lag well behind other sectors in terms of the degree to which they are open to international competition.
What are the key opportunities?
Major Australian Government initiatives as part of Australian Defence Force acquisitions have continued to provide substantial opportunities to qualified suppliers. Projects include the Joint Strike Fighter and will probably include UAV and helicopter programs.
Other key opportunities include:
- Vessels especially patrol boats
- Systems integration
- Globally competitive technology, especially in niche volume design and manufacturing
- Innovative security solutions and hardware
- Training
Where are the key opportunities?
Exports of defence materiel and dual use goods, can raise security issues and an export licence may be necessary. Contact Defence Export Control Office for more information.
Priority markets with the greatest opportunities for Australian defence and homeland security include:
- USA
- New Zealand
- UAE
- Singapore
Please see the list of industry country profiles for the defence and security industry at the end of this overview.
Defence events
Team Australia at Euronaval
On behalf of the Defence Export Unit, Austrade invites you to exhibit at Team Australia Pavilion at Euronaval Paris, Le Bourget Exhibition Centre Paris France 27 - 31 October 2008.
The Department of Defence invites Australian defence companies who wish to be part of the Team Australia stand at Euronaval to register their participation. Membership of Team Australia at Euronaval 2008 is open to Australian companies promoting Australian products and technologies in the maritime security and/or defence maritime sectors.
For more information and to register please email linus.ryrie@defence.gov.au or (02) 6127 2742. Applications close 19 September 2008.
Team Australia
How can we help you?
With a network of over 140 overseas locations in more than 60 countries backed by highly experienced and qualified staff, Austrade provides a number of dedicated and tailored services to Australian exporters.
Austrade offers practical advice, market intelligence and ongoing support (including financial) to Australian businesses looking to develop international markets. Austrade also provides advice and guidance on overseas investment and joint venture opportunities, and helps put Australian businesses in contact with potential overseas investors.
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au.
Useful contacts
Austrade’s defence team contacts
Hayden Williams
Tel: +61 3 9648 3182
Email: advancedman@austrade.gov.au
Spiros Karamoutzos
Tel: +61 3 9648 3190
Email: advancedman@austrade.gov.au
Government contacts
Defence Materiel Organisation, Dept. of Defence – www.defence.gov.au
Defence Export Control Office – www.defence.gov.au/strategy/deco
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research – www.industry.gov.au
Team Australia – www.defence.gov.au/teamaustralia
Defence Recognised Supplier Scheme – www.defence.gov.au
General industry contacts
Australian Industry Defence Network – www.aidn.org.au
ABL Defence Industry Unit – www.australianbusiness.com.au/defence
Australian Industry Group Defence Council – www.aigroup.asn.au
Defence Teaming Centre, SA – www.dtc.org.au
Australian Homeland Security Research Centre – www.homelandsecurity.org.au
Last updated: 28 Jul 2008
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