Australian businesses win $22 million in defence development grants

More than $22 million has been awarded to 60 Australian businesses in the latest round of the Defence Industry Development Grants program, as the government continues to strengthen sovereign capability, increase defence self-reliance, and support skilled jobs across Australia. The grants, allocated between November 2025 and June 2026, will help businesses invest in advanced manufacturing, expand production, and deliver critical components for priority defence projects. The 60 recipients included in this round of funding are delivering programs aligned to Australia’s key sovereign defence capability requirements, including submarines, aerospace, guided weapons and explosive ordnance, communications systems, advanced materials, robotics and cyber security. Business successful in this round include: Aurora Labs Ltd (WA) will receive $1,000,000 to procure an advanced laser powder bed fusion machine for the manufacture of propulsion systems. Cop-A-Mate Products Pty Ltd (Vic) will receive $1,000,000 to establish local manufacturing capability for mission‑critical land vehicle armour and exhaust components. Lintek Pty. Limited (NSW) will receive $1,000,000 to upgrade its printed circuit board production facility through new advanced equipment. Southern Launch.Space Pty Ltd (SA) will receive $1,000,000 to acquire range safety and communications infrastructure to support test and evaluation activities. Gurit Australia Pty Ltd (QLD) will receive $559,852 to establish local manufacturing capability for bespoke subsea buoyancy systems for the Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicle. Currawong Engineering Pty Ltd (Tas) will receive $184,659 to procure a vertical machining centre to enhance the manufacture of aerospace‑grade electronic speed controllers, and engines to support the growing demand from export supply chains. Micca Holdings Pty Ltd (NT) will receive $62,419 to acquire a rotary fibre laser cutting machine and a laser welding machine to increase naval sustainment capability in Northern Australia. The Defence Industry Development Grants program provides competitive, matching grants of up to 50 per cent to eligible Australian defence suppliers, supporting businesses to grow, innovate and contribute to Australia’s defence capability. This latest round of grants brings the total investment directly benefiting Australian businesses to more than $73 million since the program commenced in June 2024. Collectively, these investments are supporting hundreds of jobs nationwide, strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial base and promoting self-reliance in line with the 2026 National Defence Strategy. Delivered across four delivery streams – Exports, Skilling, Security and Sovereign Industrial Priorities – the program enables companies to expand into new markets, lift workforce capability, strengthen security standards, and invest in critical technologies. This ensures the Government is delivering tangible outcomes for industry by helping businesses modernise facilities and adopt manufacturing technologies, improving overall global competitiveness. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said: “Awarding more than 200 grants in under two years is a significant milestone and demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to backing Australian defence industry and Australian jobs. These investments are helping local businesses to grow their capability, modernise operations and compete globally, while delivering the sovereign capabilities our Australian Defence Force needs now and into the future. By supporting skills, manufacturing and security across the country, we are building a stronger, more resilient defence industry and a future made in Australia.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]