Taking Victoria’s AUKUS capabilities to the next level

We've signed a separate memoranda of understanding with global defence companies Rolls-Royce and H&B Defence, to strengthen Victoria’s defence supply chain and industrial capabilities to contribute to AUKUS.

AUKUS is a defence agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, which includes focus developing Australia’s long-range submarine capabilities.

The agreements were signed at this year’s Indo-Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, which is the region's premier commercial maritime and naval defence exposition.

A record 64 Victorian manufacturers and businesses exhibited at the Victorian Pavillion, showcasing the state’s nation-leading capabilities in advanced manufacturing and defence-related research and development to a global audience.

Victorian manufacturer AW Bell also announced a recent signing of a Manufacturing Licensing Agreement with Northrop Grumman Australia which will see them qualify to join the company’s submarine industrial base.

The Victorian Defence Vision Statement released earlier this year outlines the state's agenda to secure increased defence opportunities and investment for Victoria. It builds on the government’s Economic Growth Statement which backs Victoria’s defence supply chain to win work, grow and contribute to AUKUS.

The state’s defence sector employs over 29,000 people and generates over $10.9 billion in direct annual expenditure, and $1.7 billion in annual exports.