South Australia is the heart of Australia’s defence and space capability, underpinned by innovation, cutting edge technology and a highly skilled workforce.
Home to seven of the world’s top 10 defence companies, some of the most high-tech and innovative small and medium enterprises, and research and development institutes working at the cutting-edge, South Australia is at the forefront of the nation’s defence and space endeavours.
South Australia’s critical mass of world-class industry is delivering many of Australia’s largest and most complex defence projects. The state and its capital, Adelaide, also hosts a large and varied Defence Force presence and state-of-the-art infrastructure, with key Navy, Army and Air Force facilities located here.
South Australia is spearheading the most significant submarine and naval shipbuilding projects in Australia’s history that will transform the state’s industrial landscape. The construction of the nation’s first nuclear-powered submarine fleet, combined with a continuous pipeline of naval shipbuilding work will deliver economic benefits for generations to come.
The state’s strengths also lie in global and local supply chain contribution, world-leading space industry innovation, defence research and development, cyber and systems, intelligence including surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities, defence infrastructure and industry precincts.
South Australia truly is epicentre for defence technology advancements, research and development institutes working at the cutting-edge and a highly skilled workforce across specialist areas.
We are excited to have team members from Defence SA, the South Australian Space Industry Centre and the Defence Innovation Partnership attending Sea Air Space this April.
If you’d like to find out more about the agencies, please click the logos.
To organise to meet with our team, please email events@defencesa.com.
Strategic Location
South Australia, the southern central state of Australia, conveniently shares its borders with all other mainland states, making it easily accessible from all Australian airports and international gateways.
Located on the Asia-Pacific cost, South Australia is at the centre of the nation’s air, road and rail logistics networks, offering seamless connections to national markets across Australia and around the world.
The state’s three major defence precincts are also located a short 30-minute drive from Adelaide International Airport:
South Australian companies attending Sea Air Space 2025
The following South Australian companies are exhibiting at Sea Air Space 2025 on the Team Defence Australia stand (1737).
South Australia is also home to more than 400 defence and over 100 space-related organisations. Discover more by visiting our Defence Industry Directory or Space Industry Directory.
South Australia’s projects and capabilities
Nuclear-powered Submarines
Nuclear-powered Submarines
To be built at Osborne Naval Shipyard, the trilaterally-developed submarine – known as SSN-AUKUS – will be an evolution of the United Kingdom’s Astute class submarine and incorporate the very best of Australian, US and UK technology.
Hunter Class Frigates
Hunter Class Frigates
A $45bn project with construction that commenced in 2022. Prototyping is underway.
A fleet of six anti-submarine warfare frigates are expected to start entering service from the late 2020s.
Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels
Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels
A $4bn project to construct two vessels in South Australia. The second OPV was launched in November 2023 with an additional four vessels under construction in Western Australia.
Collins Class Submarines
Collins Class Submarines
Six vessels were built in Adelaide in the 1990s. Osborne Naval Shipyard is the confirmed location for the through-life support of the fleet including ongoing Full-cycle docking and Life-of-type extension.
Hobart Class Destroyers
Hobart Class Destroyers
Three vessels constructed at Osborne Naval Shipyard from 2007-2020.
Upgrades to Combat Management System announced in 2021, will commence in South Australia from 2025.
Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft
Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft
RAAF Base Edinburgh in Adelaide is the base for the nation’s fleet of P-8A Poseidon maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and response aircraft.
A purpose-built 737 deep maintenance and modification facility is also under construction to provide the critical infrastructure necessary for onshore maintenance and upgrade of the aircraft.
Triton Unmanned Aircraft System
Triton Unmanned Aircraft System
Adelaide will be the centre of Australia’s strategic unmanned aerial vehicle fleet. The ground control operations for the Triton fleet will be managed by the No. 9 Squadron at RAAF Base Edinburgh.
MC-55A Peregrine
MC-55A Peregrine
The Australian Government will acquire four modified MC-55A Peregrine aircraft, based out of RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.
Jindalee Operational Radar Network
Jindalee Operational Radar Network
The Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) is a multi-billion dollar investment supporting three over-the-horizon radar systems that use HF radar and ionospheric reflection to provide surveillance coverage of Australia’s northern air and sea approaches.
Space
Space
Home to the Australian Space Agency, Australian Space Discovery Centre, Australian Mission Control Centre, two launch facilities and more than 100 space-related companies, South Australia is at the forefront of the nation’s space endeavours.
Other projects
Research & Development
Research & Development
South Australia has a long history of success in defence research, which is underpinned by the collaboration of defence industry, research organisations and educational institutions to find innovative solutions for the Australian Defence Force and defence projects.
Cyber
Cyber
South Australia is driving the growth of Australia’s cyber industry, creating high-tech jobs and supporting the development of a cyber workforce for global businesses that can establish cyber teams in South Australia to take advantage of our world class research, education, market reach and lower cost environment.
Information Warfare
Information Warfare
South Australia is central to Defence surveillance capabilities including P8 Poseidon, the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN), Defence Science and Technology Group, space-based surveillance, test and training ranges and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) cyber and intelligence squadrons.
