Defence weapons and equipment on show for buyers

A shopping list of Australian guns, aircraft and ships is part of plans to turn Australia into a leading ­defence exporter.

The government is working on making Australia a top-10 world defence exporter.

A shopping list of Australian tanks, guns, aircraft and ships will be revealed today as part of the Morrison government’s plans to turn Australia into a leading ­defence exporter.

Defence Industry Minister ­Steven Ciobo will launch the 2019 Australian Military Sales Catalogue to foreign ambassadors, ­defence attaches and figures from the defence industry.

There are 116 companies featured in this year’s catalogue, up from 75 last year, with companies from all states and territories ­represented.

Mr Ciobo said the government was working to make Australia a top-10 global defence exporter.

“Growing defence exports strengthens Australia’s defence industry, creating new jobs and helping to keep the country more safe and secure,” he said.

“The number of Australian businesses contributing to the catalogue has grown by 78 per cent from last year, demonstrating the strength of Australia’s defence ­industry.”

Mr Ciobo said the catalogue would include equipment from the Australian Defence Force that is coming out of service and will be available for allies to buy.

“The transfer of ex-ADF equipment to foreign governments is subject to a rigorous approval process that is independent from the Australian Military Sales Office,” he said.

Among the items on sale are light armoured vehicles, the F2 mortar system, HMAS Sirius and ­an Armidale-class patrol boat.

Australia’s defence manufacturing industry employs about 27,000 people, with exports worth about $750 million a year. Australia typically exports to the US, ­Europe and New Zealand.

Scott Morrison on Monday took part in the formal signing with French company Naval Group to build 12 new submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

“The Australian government regards the safety and security of its people and its territory as our greatest duty and calling,’’ the Prime Minister said.

“As a land girt by sea, as our ­national anthem proclaims, a great Royal Australian Navy is what is necessary.

“What that means is ensuring that we are at the front of the pack when it comes to the latest naval vessels and firepower.”