Team WA triumphs on UK defence mission
Western Australian businesses have secured international defence deals that will boost 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 had the opportunity to showcase their world-class capability and connect with industry heavyweights at Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) in London—the world's largest defence expo.
Fremantle's CiTech, which builds self-deploying mobile phone towers for remote and hostile locations, has now signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global defence firm Babcock, to send its WA-made tech to Ukraine through the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
While Henderson-based Franmarine has been chosen to provide biofouling services for AUKUS submarines set to rotate through WA from next year.
The State Government has also signed an MoU with BAE, Europe's largest defence contractor. The MoU is set to create high paying, skilled jobs for decades at what will become the Henderson Defence Precinct.
The collaboration with BAE will support workforce training and development and help grow WA's defence industry, focusing on integrating local businesses into international supply chains.
Another MoU has been signed with Rolls-Royce, a company which has powered the Royal Navy's nuclear submarines for more than six decades. The partnership will ensure the WA workforce is ready to seize upcoming AUKUS opportunities.
