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Western Australian companies have landed major international defence agreements expected to bolster the state’s economy and support local jobs, following a bipartisan trade mission to the United Kingdom.
A delegation of more than 20 WA businesses, led by Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia, attended Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) in London, the world’s largest defence expo, to showcase local capability and connect with global industry leaders.
Fremantle-based CiTech, which produces self-deploying mobile phone towers for remote and hostile environments, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with defence giant Babcock. The deal will see WA-made technology delivered to Ukraine through the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
Another Fremantle company, Greenroom Robotics, secured a strategic partnership with British firm SubSea Craft. The business develops artificial intelligence software that enables ships to operate autonomously.
Minister Papalia said WA businesses were well placed to take advantage of global defence demand, saying, “Western Australia has the world’s largest resources sector and the skilled workforce to fill gaps in the UK defence supply chain.”
“Our businesses are world-class and helping them to grow across borders will create local jobs and strengthen the state’s economy, but we can also benefit from the expertise of our allies. As the home of our nation’s submarine fleet, WA is focused on the rapidly approaching task of sustaining nuclear-powered submarines from 2027. The new partnerships with two of the world’s biggest defence companies will ensure our workforce is AUKUS ready,” Minister Papalia added.
Henderson-based Franmarine was also selected to provide biofouling services for AUKUS submarines that will begin rotating through WA from 2027.
The Cook government used the mission to strengthen ties with some of the world’s biggest defence companies, signing an MOU with BAE Systems, Europe’s largest defence contractor.
The agreement aims to integrate WA businesses into global supply chains, expand workforce training and development, and create long-term skilled jobs at the planned Henderson Defence Precinct.
A separate MOU was signed with Rolls-Royce, which has powered the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines for more than 60 years. The partnership will help ensure WA’s workforce is ready to support future AUKUS opportunities.
Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the agreements would accelerate WA’s role in the national defence effort, saying, “Since 2017, we have been working to position WA as the home of naval ship designing, building and sustainment activities; and submarine sustainment and maintenance work, and our efforts are paying off.”
Minister Sanderson added, “An increased investment in defence capabilities is set to create more than 10,000 new skilled jobs over the next two decades. The Cook government is investing in TAFE and supporting employers to take on more apprentices for the range of diversified job opportunities that will flow as Western Australian defence-related businesses expand to grasp opportunities at home and globally.”
The trade mission forms part of the state government’s Made in WA plan, which aims to grow advanced industries, support generations of local jobs and maintain WA’s position as the nation’s strongest economy.
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