About the 2026 awards

The defence industry’s event of the year

The most anticipated awards program of the year, the Australian Defence Industry Awards, is back to once again identify the top businesses and professionals in the defence industry across the nation.

Recognising people and businesses rather than products and platforms, the Australian Defence Industry Awards program universally acknowledges all defence industry stakeholders, from primes, SMEs and academic institutions to defence executives, Indigenous and female leaders, students, scientists, academics and technicians, and other high-performing leaders.

The awards are open to all businesses operating in Australia that support the defence supply chain and have become a desirable accolade for individuals and businesses seeking to forge their place in the defence industry. Take the first step toward national recognition and build a reputation for excellence.

Get ready to celebrate in style at the 2026 black-tie gala event that will bring together leaders to celebrate the achievements and excellence of the industry’s best and brightest.
Don’t miss your chance to win this coveted award and reap the benefits of the prestigious accolade

Read more Read less
Event date:Thursday, 16 July 2026
Venue:National Convention Centre, Canberra
Welcome reception:6:30pm AEST
Official event start:7:00pm
Civilians:Black tie
Military:Mess dress

Why enter the Australian Defence Industry Awards in 2026?

Gain national recognition and elevate yourself or your business above the rest as up-and-coming names in the defence industry and across Australia.

why enter icon

STAND OUT IN A COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE

For organisations, securing one of these awards will set you apart when attracting and retaining the best talent while strengthening your position when winning defence projects or contracts. For individuals, recognition will underpin career advancement.
why enter icon

HIGHLIGHT YOUR EXPERIENCE DELIVERING HIGH-LEVEL DEFENCE PROGRAMS

With a judging panel including ex-senior ADF leaders, academics, business executives, entrepreneurs and innovators, these awards form peer-reviewed recognition of your capabilities in defence and your passion for driving the industry forward.
why enter icon

GAIN RECOGNITION FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO STRENGTHENING AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY

With the defence industry now established as a fundamental input to capability, an Australian Defence Industry Award reaffirms the role of your organisation, or you personally, in advancing the defence industry and capability building.

How to enter

how-icon

Decide which categories you are eligible to go into. Review the categories here.

how-icon

Register your account through our secure awards platform. Register and log in here.

how-icon

Fill in the details of your submission/s. Review the judging process here.

how-icon

When you’re happy with your submission, press save and lodge it!

Key dates

9 April

Nominations and submissions open

8 May

Submissions close

Please contact Adrian Connell on 0448 021 996 or via email if you have any questions or need help lodging your submission.

2 June

Finalists announced

Make sure you are signed up as a free member of Defence Connect to receive updates.

Become a free member

16 July

Awards ceremony

Don't miss out on the industry's networking evening of the year.

Buy tickets

Event produced by

Captivate