WA'S DEFENCE INDUSTRY...
is the local businesses that support Australia’s Defence Force. The industry is a key pillar for Western Australia’s economic diversification and job creation.
If you're looking for an exciting, long term career working at the forefront of industry – 'Start Something' with WA's defence industry.
THE FIVE DOMAINS OF THE DEFENCE INDUSTRY
Western Australia is home to around 200 businesses involved in developing, maintaining, supporting and implementing cutting edge technology, infrastructure and assets across the five defence domains.
AIR
Western Australia boasts world-leading designs and manufacturing for integrated engine systems, used in assets such as aircraft and drones.
INFORMATION AND CYBER
Western Australia’s defence industry defends against cyber threats and builds resilience in an increasingly challenging environment.
LAND
Western Australia develops unique software and robotic solutions for application in the field.
MARITIME
As one of two major national shipbuilding hubs, Western Australia is critical to the delivery of Australia’s Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise.
SPACE
Western Australia’s vast landmass and unique isolation makes it an ideal location for satellite communication stations, space surveillance technology and air traffic systems.
Each defence industry domain offers a range of jobs across trade, paraprofessional and professional roles.
Skills, knowledge and experience can be transferrable across domains, expanding career options and opportunities.
DEFENCE PROJECTS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Overview
- Western Australia has a long and proud history of supporting Defence in its mission to protect Australia.
- Western Australia is home to HMAS Stirling, the nation’s largest naval base.
- The Australian Marine Complex (AMC) at Henderson is the site of the nation’s largest marine industry, with approximately one third of the site’s economic value coming from defence industry.
AUKUS Optimal Pathway
- Western Australia will be at the forefront of Australia's AUKUS Optimal Pathway, continuing its proud tradition as the home of Australia's submarines.
- This multi-generational undertaking to acquire and operate conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered sovereign submarines is expected to deliver significant benefits for jobs and the economy in Western Australia.
- HMAS Stirling will continue to be the home of Australia’s current and future submarine fleet, including serving as the base for of Australia’s future nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines.
- As early as 2027, HMAS Stirling will host the rotational presence of UK and US nuclear-powered submarines. This initiative, known as ‘Submarine Rotational Forces-West’ (SRF-West), will develop Australia’s ability to operate, maintain and safely steward our future AUKUS SSNs by skilling our Navy personnel and defence industry on visiting UK and US boats.
- SRF-West is anticipated to generate 500 local jobs.
Defence Estate Upgrades
- The Commonwealth Department of Defence (Defence) is investing heavily in its infrastructure in Western Australia to facilitate a more robust defence presence, supported by an uplifted defence industry.
- Defence will invest $8 billion to upgrade HMAS Stirling to facilitate the rotational presence of AUKUS submarines via SRF-West.
- As part of the $3.8 billion package to harden Australia’s northern bases, Western Australia’s RAAF Learmonth, RAAF Curtin and the Joint Naval Communication’s Station Harold. E. Holt are all set to be redeveloped.
Naval Surface Combatant Fleet Review
- Western Australia is set to receive a significant share of a recent $11 billion shipbuilding announcement, to build general purpose frigates, Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels and Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats, over the next ten years.
- The blueprint for the Royal Australian Navy’s enhanced lethality surface combatant fleet supports continuous naval shipbuilding in WA and provides a clear pipeline of work over the next few decades, giving certainty to businesses and workers in the naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.
- Western Australia will be the primary location for designing, building, and sustaining vessels for the Australian Defence Force that include:
- New general-purpose frigates
- Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels
- Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats
- Army Landing Craft
- Western Australia is the industry hub for the new general-purpose frigate and the Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels.
- This investment is expected to create around 1,200 new jobs in Western Australia over the next decade.
AUKUS Pillar 2
- Western Australia is a global leader in developing and deploying remote autonomous systems (RAS) for various industries, especially mining. RAS are technologies that enable machines and processes to operate without human intervention or with minimal human supervision. RAS can improve efficiency, safety, productivity, and sustainability in challenging environments.
- Some examples of RAS projects in Western Australia are:
- Rio Tinto's Koodaideri iron ore mine, which will be the company's first "intelligent" mine with a range of innovations, including autonomous trucks, blast drills, digital twin and automated laboratory.
- Newmont's Boddington gold mine, which will be the world's first open-pit gold mine using a fleet of autonomous haul trucks.
- BHP's South Flank iron ore project, which will use autonomous equipment and digital connectivity to enhance performance and reduce emissions.
- To support the development and testing of RAS technologies, Western Australia is also home to the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP), a world-class facility located 40km north of Perth. The AARP will provide a platform for collaboration between industry, academia and government to advance RAS research and training.
- Western Australia's RAS capabilities are driven by its rich natural resources, strong innovation culture, skilled workforce and supportive regulatory environment. Western Australia is well-positioned to leverage its RAS expertise to create new opportunities for economic growth and social benefit.
- To highlight this point, Western Australia was awarded the build of the future fleet of Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels, to begin in the 2030’s.