The AUKUS submarine program presents a generational opportunity for South Australia, creating thousands of highly skilled jobs and driving investment across defence, advanced manufacturing, research, education and critical technologies.
Construction has now begun on Defence HQ at Lot Fourteen, which will double the precinct’s workforce to more than 3,000 people and further cement South Australia’s role as a leading hub for defence innovation and high-value jobs.
Based at Lot Fourteen, Defence HQ will provide a platform to accelerate the growth of defence capabilities, innovation, research commercialisation and business for South Australia.
Major defence contractor BAE Systems Australia will establish its new South Australian headquarters at Defence HQ, placing it at the centre of the state's defence and critical technologies innovation, and providing greater connectivity for its operations and partnerships at Osborne Naval Shipyard, Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Tonsley Innovation District, and Findon Technical College.
BAE Systems will be joined by three projects totalling more than $100 million, injecting world-class talent, capabilities and facilities into South Australia:
- $60 million Australian Defence Technologies Academy, co-funded by the Australian and South Australian governments
- $24.5 million Innovation Hub, co-funded by the Australian and South Australian governments
- $20 million SpaceBase, fully funded by the South Australian Government.
The Innovation Hub will be operated by Adelaide University and will foster a culture of collaboration between research, industry and government to support more effective translation and commercialisation of research and technology.
As South Australia prepares to deliver the nation's largest ever defence project, Lot Fourteen has an important role to play in bringing together the capability, technology and talent needed to support our AUKUS endeavours.
Defence HQ strengthens Lot Fourteen's position as a powerhouse of defence, space and critical technologies, helping to create the jobs and industries of the future.
