Chief’s defence push amid call for Darwin to be a drone systems hub

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro is doubling down on her push to drive the lucrative defence industry in the Territory.

The first Australian Triton drone. Picture: Supplied

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro is doubling down on her push to drive the lucrative defence industry in the Territory.

The Chief Minister will unveil Defence Week plans alongside the Territory’s top military brass today, that re-emphasise her approach to the Territory’s defence industry which includes an expanded northern Australia Defence Summit in April.

The Summit will have ADF leaders, government officials, strategic analysts, and industry representatives attend.

Mrs Finocchiaro, who is also the NT’s Minister for Defence, emphasised the importance of the event and the defence industry to the Territory.

“I am deeply committed to driving the development of northern Australia by unlocking opportunities for defence, industry, and our communities,” she said.

“The North has consistently proven its capacity to support major investments, infrastructure projects, and strategic initiatives, and the Defence Strategic Review further highlights the urgency of this work.

“Getting this right will deliver benefits to the nation. Collaboration and a shared vision are key to our success.”

CLP Leader Lia Finocchiaro. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

The Commonwealth Government’s National Defence Strategy 2024 and Integrated Investment Program indicate that between $14bn and $18bn will be spent on northern bases over the next 10 years.

“It is vital the Territory sees as much of this as possible,” she said.

The Chief Minister’s comments come as leading defence analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute John Coyne said Darwin’s strategic significance, long recognised by Australia’s defence planners, makes it the natural location for a dedicated systems’ maintenance, repair and overhaul facility.

Mr Coyne said that as the gateway to the Indo-Pacific, Darwin’s proximity to regional and global markets, particularly Asia, provides an unparalleled advantage for servicing domestic and international clients.

“Australian uncrewed systems are largely serviced overseas, leaving them vulnerable to extended downtimes, longer repair times and increased risk in transportation,” he said.

“This reliance on foreign facilities compromises Australia’s operational readiness.

“Darwin’s strategic location, existing infrastructure and proximity to major defence and commercial partners mean it is the ideal hub for maintaining these vital assets.

“Uncrewed systems, including drones, uncrewed aerial vehicles and uncrewed underwater vehicles, are transforming Australia’s defence, security and commercial sectors. They have a range of applications in defence operations, border security, environmental monitoring and industrial applications such as extraction of natural resources, including natural gas.”

Responding to Mr Coyne’s suggestion, Mrs Finocchiaro said: “There are unquestionably increasing opportunities to support Defence in maintenance and sustainment across the maritime, land and air domains here in the Northern Territory.

“Territory industry is also providing Defence with emerging technologies and improving capability outcomes through innovation.”