Tasmanian record show of force at Land Forces 2021

Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries

A record number of businesses have joined this year's Tasmanian delegation to the Land Forces defence expo in Brisbane, headed by Tasmanian Defence Advocate, Rear Admiral (Rtd) Steve Gilmore AM, CSC.

This year, 31 senior representatives from 16 companies, along with Tasmania's manufacturing council, have joined the Tasmanian contingent to Land Forces, the biggest international industry exposition to showcase land-based military equipment, technology and services in the Asia-Pacific region.

Land Forces provides companies the opportunity to show off Tasmanian expertise, know-how and products to some of the biggest armies, navies, air forces and defence contractors in the world.

It helps our local companies make invaluable contact with key decision-makers and buyers from across the defence sector and sets them on the path to securing significant defence supply contracts.

We know Tasmanian companies are producing some of the best and most innovative advanced products in the world, with the value of international contracts for the supply of components and equipment to the defence sector growing each year.

In the last week alone, we have seen Tasmanian company CBG Systems selected by international defence giant Hanwha to partner on the $0.9 billion to $1.3 billion LAND 8116 Phase 1 project and $18 to $27 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 armoured vehicle projects.

This builds on other positive recent announcements including NW firm Jayben Australia signing an agreement with Boeing subsidiary, Insitu Pacific, which will support their bid for a major army drone project. Pivot Maritime International providing two more simulation systems to the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and local boat builder PFG awaiting the result of its recent tender to supply the RNZN with 3 new seaboats.

Through our collaborative efforts to take Tasmanian specialist skills, products and expertise to the world's major defence buyers, we are boosting the reputation of our advanced manufacturing sector, helping bring more dollars into our economy and creating more local jobs.

This year's Tasmanian Land Forces delegation includes five first-time attendees who are looking to expanding their offerings in the defence supply area to tap into this multi-trillion-dollar global industry.

The Tasmanian Land Forces 2018 delegation comprises companies from across the state:

^†First time participant.