Defence’s annual Defence + Industry conference brought together Defence leaders, industry partners, academia and policy stakeholders in Canberra to strengthen collaboration and discuss the partnerships needed to deliver future capability outcomes.
Held at the National Convention Centre, the conference provided an opportunity for attendees to share insights, build relationships and explore opportunities across Australia’s defence ecosystem.
Under the theme ‘Defence and industry: Aligned for success’, discussions focused on capability delivery, innovation, workforce development, supply chain resilience and the role industry plays in supporting Defence outcomes in an increasingly complex strategic environment.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of collaboration between Defence and industry, with speakers highlighting the need for earlier engagement and greater transparency to support capability delivery and strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base.
‘What we are building together is more than capability. It is a Defence industrial base that can grow, compete globally and underpin Australia’s long-term security and prosperity.’
The conference provided delegates with insights into Defence’s evolving approach to industry engagement and sovereign industrial capability ahead of the public release of the 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy by the Minister for Defence Industry at the National Press Club the following day. Discussions focused on creating the conditions for Australian industry to invest, innovate and contribute to Defence capability outcomes.
First Assistant Secretary Industry Engagement, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Michael Howell said the conference demonstrated the value of bringing Defence and industry together to discuss shared challenges and opportunities.
“What we are building together is more than capability. It is a Defence industrial base that can grow, compete globally and underpin Australia’s long-term security and prosperity,” Mr Howell said.
Throughout the event, speakers reinforced that successful capability delivery relies on trusted partnerships, open dialogue and a shared commitment to supporting Australia’s defence and national security objectives. Discussions also highlighted the importance of a skilled workforce in ensuring Defence can access, sustain and scale capability when required.
The conference concluded with a strong focus on maintaining momentum through ongoing engagement between Defence and industry, and translating discussion into action in support of Defence capability outcomes.
