HeliMods, which has previously used Defence funding to purchase plant and equipment to manufacture large machined components used in the modification and upgrade of military and paramilitary helicopters, is expected to leverage the grant to boost its capacity to make components with shorter lead times. 

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the efficiency boost would help increase export opportunities into North America and Europe, as part of the federal government’s broader commitment to expand the local defence industry’s footprint in the global market.  

“In 2019, while leading a major defence trade expo with Australian companies, I announced Helimods had received funding support to help them on the global stage,” she said.

“These grants are another way the Morrison government is helping small businesses reach their export goals faster.”

Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, said the Caloundra-based SME has the skills to develop critical new sovereign defence capability in Australia.

“HeliMods is proof that the Sunshine Coast can lead the way, and I was really pleased to be able to arrange a virtual tour for Minister Price of their Caloundra facility in August,” Wallace said.

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“COVID border restrictions weren’t going to stop us demonstrating to the minister the great work of this Sunshine Coast firm.

“HeliMods’ ability to deliver world-leading capabilities is known throughout Australia, and sought globally, as proven by their growing export opportunities into North America, Europe and Asia.”

Wallace concluded, “I’ll continue to work hard to support more local companies to take up the opportunity to expand overseas, strengthening our local defence industry and creating more diverse opportunities for Sunshine Coast locals.”

[Related: Tasmanian SME secures defence export competitiveness grant ]

Charbel Kadib

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.