The South Australia – The Defence State stand was bustling with activity at the Avalon 2023 tradeshow, with the state’s largest-ever contingent of defence and space companies on display at the record-breaking event.

Hosted by Defence SA, more than 50 organisations participated on this year’s South Australian stand, showcasing defence capabilities across information warfare, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

The state’s space sector was also represented, demonstrating industry’s satellite manufacturing, launch and space surveillance capabilities.

Industry was joined by the state’s three universities and the Defence Innovation Partnership – the South Australian Government’s catalyst for defence-relevant research – which provided a platform to display the strength of the state’s world-class defence and space research community.

A number of announcements from South Australian companies were also made across the week that reinforce South Australia as a hub for defence activity. These announcements included:

• Global defence leader MBDA has taken up residence in South Australia’s Lot Fourteen innovation district.
• Adelaide-based aerospace manufacturer Aerobond has partnered with cybersecurity firm Secure State to unlock US defence opportunities.
• South Australian defence company elmTEK has been tapped to deliver simulation technology for Defence.
• Axiom Precision Manufacturing and Mincham have been selected to supply parts for Australian fleet of Apaches.
• Electronic warfare specialist DEWC Services is providing technical expertise to E-7A Wedgetail upgrade.

With more than 48,500 industry day attendances, Avalon 2023 was the biggest in the event’s history and it proved a valuable opportunity to re-establish connections with global supply chain companies and showcase South Australian capabilities to the world.

Business Development Manager for defence electronics company Ultra, Mike Turton, who was an exhibitor on The Defence State stand, said the event was a fantastic success.

“Ultra was proud to be a part of the DefenceSA contingent attending Avalon 2023 and we were impressed by the number and quality of people coming to the stand,” Mike said.

“We were grateful to share the stand with some amazing defence industry colleagues showcasing their innovative offerings.”

Learn more about the companies that exhibited on the Defence State stand