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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Defence and space

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    South Australia will be home to the construction of nuclear-powered conventionally armed submarines (SSN-AUKUS) – the most complex program in the nation’s history – under the AUKUS trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and the US.

    This landmark project builds on the state’s longstanding leadership in defence and space, with government and industry investments securing that position for decades to come.

    South Australia has comprehensive defence infrastructure and modern facilities that support the advancement of manufacturing, research, and technological development.

    Seven of the world’s top 10 defence companies have a presence in South Australia. These companies, supported by more than 400 SMEs are delivering for defence across maritime, aerospace, land, systems and cyber domains.

    This growing innovation ecosystem includes world-leading artificial intelligence, virtual reality, quantum, data analytics, and cybersecurity capabilities.

    South Australia also has a proud history of leading national and international space efforts, with a thriving space sector.

    It is home to the Australian Space Agency, Australian Mission Control Centre, the nation’s first state-owned satelliteand more than 100 space-related organisations.

    The state brings together world-class researchers with innovative space companies and ambitious start-ups to deliver cutting-edge space technologies and services.

    South Australia’s defence and space ecosystem positions the state to support the domestic ambitions of Australia’s allies.

    Home to world and nation-leading defence and space activity

    Defence and Space highlights

    Investment and trade opportunities

    • US and UK naval maritime infrastructure, sustainment and build linked to AUKUS pillar I
    • Critical technology capabilities aligned to AUKUS pillar II, including guided weapons, quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, virtual reality, data analytics, and cybersecurity
    • Launch, returns, upstream and downstream space capabilities and strategic infrastructure
    • Positioning South Australia as a testing, maintenance, repair and upgrade location for air and naval platforms.

    Target markets

    • US
    • UK and Europe
    • Japan and Korea
    • India
    • Southeast Asia
    • Australia.

    South Australian Government supported initiatives and services

    Defence SA is South Australia’s lead government agency for all defence-related matters and plays a central role in driving South Australia’s defence ecosystem on a global scale.

    The Defence Innovation Partnership (DIP) is a collaborative initiative of Defence SA, the Defence Science and Technology Group and South Australia’s public universities. DIP leverages close relationships with the Department of Defence to support collaborative activities aligned with defence priorities.

    The Office for AUKUS is a single point of contact for Australian Government agencies, ensuring whole-of-government coordination to deliver on South Australia’s leading role in the historic SSN-AUKUS submarine program.

    The South Australian Space Industry Centre was established to lead the state’s space industry development efforts and offer focused and responsive support to drive growth of the local space sector.

    The Defence and Space Landing Pad is a one-stop-shop to support international companies establishing in South Australia.

    Defence Industry Supply Chain Uplift Program is an opportunity for local defence suppliers to export parts to the US and or UK for shipbuilding and submarine builds.

    South Australian industry supported ecosystem

    The South Australian Government will achieve investment and trade outcomes by engaging with South Australia’s key defence precincts (see the section on ‘Leading innovation destinations’) and institutions, including: