Victorian defence industry goes on show at Avalon

The state leads in ‘next-generation’ technologies critical to the Australian Defence Force, as it contributes to international supply.

It will be an international affair at the Avalon 2023 airshow, aerospace and defence expo.

The Avalon 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition is a global business event and one of the premier aerospace showcases in the world.

It attracts more than 170,000 visitors including more than 700 national and international businesses displaying their unique aerospace, aviation, defence industry, military and space capabilities.

The Victorian government will host Victorian defence, aerospace and space companies and entities throughout Avalon 2023. This will enable critical engagement with key government and defence decision-makers, industry and representatives from foreign air forces.

Avalon 2023 allows Victoria’s dynamic defence industry to demonstrate its capabilities to the world.

Leading international defence industry companies such as BAE Systems Australia, Downer Defence, Hanwha Defence Australia, L3Harris Technologies, Leonardo Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia and Thales Australia have a substantial presence in Victoria. Each will be present at Avalon 2023 along with hundreds of small- and medium-size businesses, many based in Victoria.

This weekend over the general public days the Victorian government pavilion at Avalon 2023 will feature a space-focused Careers and Skills stand.

The pavilion will host leading Victorian universities and research institutions, including Monash University and its High-Powered Rocketry and Monash Nova Rover, Melbourne University’s Space Program, and RMIT’s Space Industry Hub.

Fishermans Bend, previously home to General Motors Holden, is being redeveloped as a defence industry, research and university hub.

It is already home to Boeing Aerostructures Australia which is the only designer and manufacturer of advanced composite aerostructure components for commercial aircraft. It works closely with Melbourne and Geelong-based Marand, a major success company in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

The Defence Science and Technology Group has a substantial presence at Fishermans Bend.

It is working closely with the Royal Australian Air Force and Boeing Aerostructures Australia on development of MQ-28A Ghost Bat, an uncrewed pathfinder for the integration of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence and the first Australian-built aircraft in more than 50 years. Ghost Bat uses sophisticated multi-spectral sensors to detect, hunt and kill prey both in the air and on the ground.

The University of Melbourne has purchased a 7.2ha site in the heart of Fishermans Bend Precinct to build a world-class engineering and design campus for large, experimental research, hands-on learning and collaboration with industry.

Opportunities will arise for work experience for students within the precinct offering decades-long employment opportunities in advanced manufacturing and technology companies, and research entities.

Avalon 2023 coincides with delivery of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review.

The review’s co-author, former defence chief Angus Houston, declared it was “the most important work that I have been involved with in Defence”.

Defence industry anticipates that the federal government’s response to the review in March 2023 will clarify the military capabilities required by the Australian Defence Force in the face of our worsening strategic outlook.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to visit the United States next month to announce arrangements by which the RAN will acquire nuclear submarines under AUKUS.

This much anticipated development is expected to provide certainty for an Australian build of the submarines, a program that will be one of the largest investments ever by Defence. Eight nuclear submarines will provide a formidable capability, unmatched in our region.

Victorian defence industry companies will play an instrumental role in this advanced manufacturing program and its associated technologies.

Victoria leads the nation in a range of high-technology, advanced manufacturing and next-generation technologies critical to meeting the challenging demands of the Australian Defence Force while contributing to international supply chains.

Advanced manufacturing encompasses a vital set of enabling capabilities and technologies for Victoria’s economy.

Key advanced manufacturing technologies include design, engineering, prototyping, robotics, automation, additive manufacturing (including 3D printing), sensors and data analytics, augmented and virtual reality and advanced materials.

These advanced manufacturing capabilities and technologies are adding value in multiple ways – such as by accelerating product development, making supply chains more efficient and creating opportunities for new products, manufacturing start-ups and new partnerships in product design, production and distribution.

Victoria is home to more than 23,000 manufacturing firms, employs more than 260,000 people and provides 30 per cent of the nation’s manufacturing output.

Victoria’s $31bn advanced manufacturing industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy and a catalyst for growth, innovation and prosperity.

Victorian manufacturing firms invest $1.76bn a year in R&D – more than any other Australian state or territory. The state’s manufacturing exports are booming with $20.4bn of manufactured goods exported from Victoria in 2020-21.

Since 2014, the Victorian government has provided more than $273m to support manufacturing businesses to build their capacity and create high-value jobs for Victorians.

The 2022-23 state budget included the establishment of the Victorian Industry Fund to support Victoria’s economic recovery from the pandemic, generating new investment and jobs.

It includes a $40m Victorian Investment Fund, $40m in targeted incentives to attract business investment, $20m for an equity investment pilot fund to attract young, innovative companies in priority areas and $19.9m to support manufacturers to build their capability, invest in renewable energy and zero emissions component manufacturing and help workers transition to advanced manufacturing jobs.

Victoria’s Defence, Aerospace and Space sectors are key priorities for the state government.

The Defence Capture Plan outlines its commitment to support defence companies to meet the priority capability needs of the Australian Defence Force, including nearly $10m in the 2022-23 budget in support of the state’s defence industry sector.

Avalon 2023 will provide the backdrop to further enhance Victorian defence industry’s capacity to meet the requirements of the Albanese government’s Defence Strategic Review.

John O’Callaghan is Victoria’s Defence Industry Advocate and chair of the Defence Council Victoria.