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Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy is encouraging Australian defence companies to put forward their best capabilities, with submissions now open for the 2026 Australian Defence Export Catalogue.
The call for submissions comes as Australia enters a new strategic era shaped by the 2024 National Defence Strategy (NDS) and the government’s sweeping reform of defence planning and industry policy undertaken since 2023.
Minister Conroy said the catalogue remained a critical tool for connecting Australian companies with international opportunities, lifting their visibility with key decision makers in foreign defence ministries.
“Exporting Australia’s leading defence technology to international markets supports Australian jobs and strengthens our sovereign defence industrial base,” he said.
Now in its ninth edition, the catalogue already features more than 336 companies from every state and territory. It is available in hard copy, online and through a mobile app, and forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen industry resilience, scale sovereign manufacturing capacity and modernise procurement pathways.
The 2026 catalogue is being released against the backdrop of the most significant overhaul of Defence policy in a generation. The government’s response to the 2023 Defence Strategic Review set the direction for a more focused, regionally postured and technologically competitive Australian Defence Force.
Minister Conroy added, “The Australian Defence Export Catalogue helps to grow Australia’s defence industry by supporting the long-term viability of domestic production lines through access to new markets.”
This work culminated in the 2024 National Defence Strategy, which outlined a “Strategy of Denial” and reset Australia’s approach to capability development, industry policy and force modernisation.
Released alongside the NDS, the 2024 Integrated Investment Program detailed a reprioritised 10-year capability roadmap and confirmed a major uplift in projected defence spending across the decade.
The government also established new long-term industry priorities through the Defence Industry Development Strategy and an updated list of Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities, explicitly identifying the capabilities Australia must be able to build, maintain or maintain access to domestically.
These reforms were complemented by strengthened industry engagement mechanisms, including the Office of Defence Industry Support and more transparent Australian Industry Capability requirements.
Meanwhile, parliamentary committees and the Australian National Audit Office have scrutinised Defence procurement and industry participation, ensuring reform momentum is maintained.
Minister Conroy said the policy shifts made defence exports more important than ever, “Exports are a key priority in the Albanese government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy,” he said, highlighting the role of international markets in supporting scalable, sustainable local industry capacity.
Companies seeking inclusion in the 2026 Defence Export Catalogue can submit entries via the online portal until 11:59pm AEDT, 16 January 2026. All proposed exports of military and dual-use goods will be assessed under Australia’s export controls legislation.
“The government is committed to strengthening Australia’s defence industrial base so it can meet the strategic challenges our nation faces now and in the future,” Minister Conroy said.
Eligibility criteria and further details on the submission process are available on the Defence website.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
