The world-class capability, innovation, and technology of Western Australia's defence industry is on show this week at the Land Forces 2022 conference in Brisbane.
More than 20 WA-based organisations have been selected to join Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia at the event today, with the best of the West showcased for national and international decision makers and leaders.
The organisations were selected through an expression of interest process and will be hosted on the WA Government's Defence West stand, as part of the McGowan Government's commitment to grow and support the sector.
Several high-profile WA companies also plan to host their own stands at the event.
Leading WA businesses will showcase a range of capabilities, including advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems, cyber security, communications, and data management.
Hosted by the AMDA Foundation in collaboration with the Australian Army - Land Forces is our region's premier international land defence exhibition, showcasing equipment, technology, and services for the armies of Australia and the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, almost 13,000 people from industry, government, and defence attended Land Forces 2021.
The McGowan Government has committed $350 million to support defence expansion in WA.
Identified as a priority sector in the McGowan Government's economic development framework - Diversify WA - the growth of the defence industry is important to ensuring the State has a strong and diversified economy with secure, quality jobs.
As stated by Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia:
"There have never been more opportunities for the WA defence industry than there are right now.
"The Australian Army has begun the largest peacetime acquisition phase in its 121-year history and the strategic posture of the Australian Defence Force is currently under review.
"The historic AUKUS alliance will no doubt also bring massive opportunities for the defence sector, and the McGowan Government is committed to making sure our WA innovators and businesses are best placed to seize those opportunities.
"The WA Government is proud to support the State's expanding defence industry at the conference, providing local companies and SMEs with a unique opportunity to engage with decision makers.
"Unlocking the full potential of our defence industry is a key part of the WA Government's plan to diversify the State's economy and secure the jobs of the future for Western Australians."
