"Engaging our defence industry ensures our investments are contributing to the long-term viability of our shipbuilding industry and leveraging Aussie innovation," Minister Price said.

"I am also making engagement with small business a top priority as they will be helping the major defence industries to deliver on our major investment plan. I made the case for our defence industries in Washington and London in recent weeks."

VADM Noonan reaffirmed his strong commitment to partnering with defence industry to deliver Navy’s capability needs.

It is the Chief of Navy's intent that the implementation of a Navy Industry Engagement Strategy, one that directly supports Plan Pelorus, will provide an ideal opportunity to regenerate, refocus and ultimately strengthen Navy's relationship with industry and academia.

This strategy makes it clear that the Chief of Navy is focused on providing a clear direction of the Royal Australian Navy, and what its materiel needs and obligations will be in the future.

The Chief of Navy wants industry and academia to understand that what they are producing, no matter how big or how small, contributes to the bigger picture of Navy’s capability, and our national interest.

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Together, the naval enterprise, industry and academia have an unprecedented opportunity to contribute to nation-building and, in doing so, build a maritime capability that will underpin the long-term security and prosperity of Australia and our region.

"When we get this right, it will lead to increased opportunities for technology creation, innovation, and exploitation in our country. It will lead to an increase in Australian industry capability and capacity and will involve more Australians and more small businesses as we deliver and sustain leading-edge naval capability," Navy's official brief explained. 

VADM Noonan said, "Without industry we don’t go to sea, we don’t fly our aircraft, and ultimately we are unable to defend Australia and our national interests. My vision is for Navy, industry and academia to become better partners that focus on transformational relationships and shared awareness to enable the best possible outcomes for Australia."

The full details outlining Plan Pelorus and the Navy's Industry Engagement Strategy are available here. 

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.