Defence SA

21/11/2025

👋 Meet Glenn Rypp, Director Technical Capability at KBR.

From elite athlete to engineering leader, Glenn has always been driven by performance and purpose. After representing Australia 12 times in canoe and kayak competitions, he now applies that same mindset to his role at KBR.

Glenn’s story is just one example of how people from all different backgrounds are finding their place in South Australia’s defence industry. Whether you’re a student, a tradesperson, a STEM graduate, or someone looking for a new challenge, there’s a pathway for you.

Discover Glenn's story ➡ https://bit.ly/4pqQlSo

19/11/2025

Strengthening Australia’s space-based Defence capability through collaboration 🤝

The iLAuNCH Trailblazer's Space-based Sensor for Hypersonic Missile Early Warning project is showcasing the power of national and defence industry partnerships, bringing together The Australian National University, Adelaide University, Spiral Blue, University of Southern Queensland and Northrop Grumman Australia.

This initiative aims to strengthen sovereign space-based sensing and hypersonic threat detection, empowering researchers to apply advanced AI and machine learning to a complex challenge for Defence.

First announced in August 2024, the project was showcased at the Defence State stand during .

Learn more ➡ https://bit.ly/4r4JLCq

18/11/2025

Over the weekend, Defence SA proudly awarded eight scholarships to students in the early stages of their STEM careers at the Adelaide Robotics and Computer Science Academy Awards Ceremony, held at Lot Fourteen.

Our Chief Executive, Matt Opie spoke at the event and congratulated each student, recognising their passion, talent and commitment to learning.

The academy provides young students with hands-on experience in robotics, computer science, AI, and drones, sparking interest in future STEM careers. To date, over 300 students have completed the program!

South Australia is at the heart of Australia’s defence and space industries, with STEM careers on the rise, making it the ideal place to build a future in these exciting fields.

👏 Congratulations to all involved and best of luck with your future careers.

18/11/2025

📣 WE ARE HIRING! 📣

Defence SA has an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Finance Officer.

If you are solutions focused, collaborative and enthusiastic with strong accounting and finance skills and experience, we want to hear from you.

Applications close Tuesday 2 December 👉 https://bit.ly/44fOF5I

17/11/2025

📝 Saab Australia and Adelaide University forge strategic defence partnership to strengthen collaboration and support Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

Building on their strong relationship, the agreement will focus on future technologies and support collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and workforce development through internships, placements, events and training.

Read more ➡ https://bit.ly/4i9CwW4

14/11/2025

🤝 Silentium Defence and REDARC Defence & Space have joined forces to advance Australian defence manufacturing.

This strategic partnership will unite Silentium’s cutting-edge passive radar technology with REDARC’s world-class manufacturing expertise, accelerating the delivery of next-generation surveillance solutions to both Australian and global markets.

A huge win for the !

Read more ➡ https://bit.ly/47Fxi0r

13/11/2025

🎉 Reflecting on industry success from !

We were proud to support South Australian industry last week in Sydney with a plethora of announcements, partnerships and MoU signings on the Defence State stand!

Here's a highlight ⬇

🔋 PMB Defence and BAE Systems Australia partnered to power SSN-AUKUS submarines
🤝 APC Technology joined forces with a UK company to deliver digital wellbeing solutions
🚢 Ultra Maritime secured Hunter class frigate support contract
👏 QuantX Labs and University of Adelaide complete US trial in support of AUKUS Pillar II
🛡 CyberOps secured contract to boost local opportunities in US Defence supply chain
🎉 AEROBOND opened their expanded facility in Woodville in a boost to local maritime capabilities
🛠 SA Government signed an MoU with BlueForge Alliance to grow the AUKUS workforce
✅ A Defence Trailblazer project with Northrop Grumman Australia and University of Adelaide hits major milestone
📝 RFTEQ Pty Ltd signed two MoUs to boost Defence and EW capabilities

Find the details on our website ➡ https://bit.ly/4rbRDCq

11/11/2025

An exciting partnership for the Defence State signed last week at Indo Pacific! 🤝

The South Australian Government signed an MoU with the Australian affiliate of US-based BlueForge Alliance to boost the state’s skilled workforce and industrial base for the SSN-AUKUS program.

Under the agreement, BFAA plans to establish a presence in SA to work closely with the government, academic and industry partners.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/43aVlBY

11/11/2025

This morning, members of the Defence SA team had the honour of attending the annual Military and Emergency Services Health Australia Remembrance Day Breakfast, recognising the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s servicemen and servicewomen.

Following the breakfast, Veterans SA Director Bianca Wheeler, Defence SA Chief Executive Matt Opie and Veterans Advisory Council Chair Miranda Van Hooff joined South Australian dignitaries at the Adelaide Remembrance Day Service at the SA National War Memorial on North Terrace, paying tribute to all who serve our nation.

A sincere thank you to the event organisers and everyone involved in today’s meaningful commemorations.

Lest we forget. 🕊

10/11/2025

Lest we forget. 🕊

Today, South Australians pause to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families at Remembrance Day services held across the state. At 11.00 am, we observe a minute’s silence to pay tribute to all who have served and those who continue to serve in defence of our nation.

This is a moment to acknowledge the courage, commitment and sacrifice of all Australians who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, including the more than 103,000 who have lost their lives in service and many more who live with the lasting impacts of their time in uniform.

To all current and former serving personnel who have proudly served our nation and those who support them, today we honour your contribution. Thank you for your service.

Lest we forget. 🕊

👉 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4opTyRU

10/11/2025

this news straight out of 👉 ASC and BAE Systems Australia launched a joint AUKUS supply chain Industry Capability Network portal!

💻 This new portal will act as a central hub for defence industry suppliers interested in joining the SSN-AUKUS program, as well as offer a place for them to showcase their capabilities and access new opportunities from industry partners.

Find out more via the links below. 👇

📣Announcement: ASC and BAE Systems Australia launch joint AUKUS supply chain portal

We’re excited to share that ASC and BAE Systems Australia have launched the SSN-AUKUS build program ICN Portal, a new initiative designed to make it easier for suppliers to connect to one of the largest and most complex industrial programs in Australia’s history.

The new portal acts as a central hub where suppliers can:

✅ Register their interest in joining the AUKUS industrial base
✅Showcase their capabilities to key industry partners
✅Access new opportunities across the build program

For hundreds of existing suppliers, the ICN Portal ensures continuity and streamlined access. For new businesses, it opens new pathways to contribute to a decades-long program shaping Australia’s industrial landscape.

Together, we’re building capability, collaboration, and long-term growth for Australian industry.

🔗https://www.asc.com.au/asc-and-bae-systems-launch-joint-icn-portal-for-the-nuclear-powered-submarine-program/

07/11/2025

✅ The has officially wrapped up an impactful week at the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney!

With record attendance and more than 900 exhibitors, Indo Pacific 2025 marked the most significant edition in the event’s 25-year history. 👏

Defence SA was proud to lead a strong South Australian delegation, hosting over 65 defence industry SMEs, research and education institutions on the South Australia - the Defence State stand, including our Defence Innovation Partnership, Veterans SA and Invest SA colleagues.

We were honoured to host Assistant Minister Michael Brown MP, the Hon Joe Szakacs, and Rear Admiral Stephen Hughes AM CSC RAN, Head of Navy Capability throughout, offering our exhibitors an opportunity to present South Australia’s cutting-edge products and maritime capabilities.

From day one, the stand was a hive of activity! With hundreds of interstate and international visitors, a popular new water bottle station, flowing coffees, VIP visits, industry announcements, and countless productive conversations. A HUGE thank you to all our exhibitors and incredible staff for making this event a resounding success.

Stay tuned for more highlights from the team next week!