- 60 nations, almost 1,000 exhibitors and 100 WA companies on show at Land Forces
- International delegations from the Indo-Pacific, Europe, Asia and North America
- Senior Australian Defence and Army leaders to participate in events across the week
- Cook Labor Government diversifying the economy and creating skilled local jobs
The Cook Labor Government is welcoming defence industry representatives from across the globe this week as the country’s largest defence expo gets underway in Perth.
The Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition 2026 will be held between October 6 and 8, bringing together almost 1,000 exhibiting organisations, alongside military leaders, government representatives, researchers, and industry executives from 60 countries.
Nearly 100 WA companies will exhibit at the event, including 40 WA small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and five WA academic and training institutions to be hosted on the Defence West stand.
The event encourages the expansion of international and national defence companies in WA, supporting future investment, maximising opportunities from AUKUS and creating skilled local jobs.
Delegates from across the Indo-Pacific, Europe, Asia, and North America will take part in local industry tours, including visits to the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson and the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct in Neerabup.
These visits offer a firsthand look at the facilities, expertise, and industrial capability that underpin WA’s defence industry.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the event will deliver broader economic benefits, with thousands of delegates supporting local hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses across Perth.
Quotes attributed to Premier and Minister for Defence Industries Roger Cook:
“Land Forces is set to deliver a massive boost for the WA economy.
“Victoria saw around $100 million flow into its economy when it hosted the event, and we’re expecting a similar injection for our hotels, restaurants, and small businesses.
“We’re making sure WA captures the long-term benefits, too, with our investment in training a skilled defence and shipbuilding workforce to ensure we keep creating jobs for the future.”
Quotes attributed to Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Industries Amber-Jade Sanderson
“Events like Land Forces ensure local businesses are at the front of the queue to take up the significant opportunities AUKUS presents.
“It’s about showing off the capability of our existing manufacturing sector andgrowing defence capability to a global audience and building valuable connections for the future.
“These relationships are crucial for diversifying our economy, strengthening our sovereign capabilities and creating thousands of quality, local jobs.”
