Orbital Corporation welcomed members of the Australian Army’s 13th Brigade to its operations in Balcatta in August, coinciding with the announcement of further successful Defence funding grants that continue to support the company’s growing capabilities and production expansion. Headquartered at Irwin Barracks, Karrakatta 13th Brigade forms part of the 2nd Division of the Australian Army and plays an integral role in Western Australia’s defence and security.
“The Chief of Army and Commander 2nd Division have commenced the reinforcement of Army within WA. To deliver on our objectives, 13th Brigade is rapidly evolving in line with the ‘Army in Motion’ vision,” said 13th Brigade’s Commander, Brigadier Brett Chaloner CSC. “Change, growth and innovation are at the heart of our transformation and supporting that is our increased engagement and understanding of Defence industry capability in our State. It is exciting to see the unique capability that Orbital UAV has here in WA and explore opportunities to work together to deliver on State and nationwide strategic defence objectives,” said Chaloner.
Chaloner, Innovation Major, Major Simon Powell and Command Liaison Officer Captain Jason Tuna reviewed Orbital UAV’s growing capabilities as the company continues to prepare for increased production activity related to its unmanned aerial vehicle engine manufacturing programs. “Orbital UAV has established itself as a world leader in UAV engine design and manufacture, working with prime contractors within the Australian Defence Force supply chain,” said Martin Johnston, Chief Operating Officer of Orbital UAV. “It was a pleasure to host members of 13th Brigade. As we continue to develop our technologies and look to expand our capabilities within Defence industry, having this engagement and understanding the long-term objectives and needs of the ADF and end-users of our products is incredibly valuable,” said Johnston.
Coinciding with the Brigade’s visit, Orbital UAV has been awarded additional funding via a Defence Global Competitiveness Grant to support its planned production expansion. In a media release on 31 August 2021, Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price announced Orbital UAV’s successful funding application, along with five other defence industry suppliers. “Small businesses that develop some of the most innovative and world-leading defence capabilities are the backbone of Australia’s industrial base,” Price said in her media release. “From acquiring new specialist components, to manufacturing engines for unmanned aerial vehicles, or making new static targets for international customers, these six small businesses are expanding into global markets, generating local jobs and strengthening the sovereign industrial base on which Defence relies,” said Price.
Orbital UAV was awarded around $195,000 to support the expansion of production capability, as the Company begins to commission additional engine production lines at its Balcatta operation. “With two UAV engine models in production and a further three engine production lines scheduled to enter operation over the next 12 months, this grant will fund the purchase of additional inspection and verification equipment and support the increased throughput of development and production parts,” said Todd Alder, CEO and Managing Director of Orbital UAV. “We are delighted to receive this funding and are greatly appreciative of the support Orbital UAV has continued to receive as we build our business and look to support Australia’s sovereign capability objectives,” said Alder.
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