The Northern Territory has reinforced its position as Australia's northern defence and strategic gateway with the successful delivery of NT Defence Week 2025.
More than 1,600 registrations were recorded across the week-long program, the highest in the event's history, with hundreds of national and international delegates attending from across industry, government and defence.
Estimated delegate expenditure totalled $6.6 million with visitors staying longer than in previous years, highlighting the growing strategic importance of the NT and the strength of the Territory's defence agenda.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Territory's role in national security, regional engagement and defence readiness has never been more vital.
"The Northern Territory is not just a location on the map, we are Australia's frontline in the Indo-Pacific," said Mrs Finocchiaro.
"This week has showcased our ability to lead, to partner, and to deliver. From defence capability and logistics to investment and innovation - the NT is rising to meet the moment."
"Defence Week 2025 was our biggest yet, and the message is clear the Northern Territory is ready to support and sustain the future of Australia's national defence."
The event featured the NT Defence Summit, high-level briefings, industry site visits, a veterans' forum, workforce roundtables, and the prestigious AIDN NT Gala Dinner.
Lieutenant General (Retired) USMC John Wissler said the Territory is central to Australia's regional security efforts.
"NT Defence Week is critically important in highlighting the geostrategic significance of the Northern Territory in the Indo-Pacific," said Lieutenant General Wissler.
"As strategic competition in the region increases, the NT becomes the launching pad for forces in all five domains, and has the capability and capacity for supporting them with prepositioning, maintenance and sustainment across the vast distances of the Indo-Pacific region.
"Defence Week 2025 saw a greater number of participants from around Australia and overseas than in previous years, demonstrating a growing understanding of the Territory's key role, and local industry's willingness to contribute to meeting the capability requirements of Australian, United States and partner nation forces."
Lieutenant General (retired) ADF John Frewen AO DSC, member of DefenceNT Strategy Group, also welcomed the collaborative tone of the week's events.
"As a recently joined member of the DefenceNT Strategy Group I was most pleased to be in Darwin for NT Defence Week 2025," he said.
"The Northern Territory has a key role to play in implementation of the National Defence Strategy, a theme that was explored by participants from government, industry and academia across the week's events.
"NT Defence Week 2025 facilitated meaningful engagement and fostered collaboration in the interest of supporting and enabling our Australian Defence Force, allies and partners operating in the Northern Territory."
Mrs Finocchiaro said: "We will continue to drive a coordinated, forward-looking defence agenda focused on infrastructure, investment, capability support and job creation."
"We promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security and that's what we are delivering."
