More SMEs receive grants to build sovereign defence capability

A further 11 Australian businesses have received a total of nearly $5 million to help them to grow our nation’s defence industry capability. The funds come from the Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority Grants program, which supports eligible Australian small to medium-sized companies who can provide significant contributions to our Defence industry needs. The announcement was made today in a news release from the office of Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price. “These successful grant recipients are being supported to deliver a number of quality projects that will enhance Australian defence industry’s sovereign capabilities, aligned with Defence’s Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities,” Minister Price said. “Queensland-based Cyborg Dynamics Engineering is developing a robotic unmanned ground vehicle. Their grant funding will be used to fund the project’s design, materials, equipment and testing. “Another recipient, New South Wales-based company Rojone Pty Ltd, is establishing a fibre optic cable assembly capability, connecting vital systems to ensure ADF personnel have access to the information they require to perform their duties.” Minister Price said the Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grants program is a key Government initiative providing support and funding to eligible Australian businesses. The funding will help them to build their capacity and resilience, which is then supporting Defence’s most critical capabilities. Eligible activities funded through the program relate directly to buying, constructing, installing or commissioning capital equipment, including associated training for their workforce. Another Australian SME, XTEK,  had earlier announced that it had secured $830,000 under the program Grant applications can be made at any time and can be submitted through the Centre for Defence Industry Capability website at: www.business.gov.au/cdic The Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority Grants announced today are: Company Grant Amount Details State Frontline Manufacturing $710,000 Grant funding will be used to purchase a specialised brake press for manufacturing metal plate used on armoured fighting vehicles. QLD SRC Australia $311,384 Grant funding will be used to fund the purchase and installation of specialist hardware that will enable the facility to support warfighting functions. ACT Infinite Engineering $1,000,000 Grant funding will be used to purchase capital equipment that will increase scale of manufacturing capacity and capability. VIC Cyborg Dynamics Engineering $426,150 Grant funding will be used to fund project design, materials, equipment and testing. QLD Jehbco Manufacturing $123,654 Grant funding will be used to fund the purchase and installation of new capital equipment. This will expand production capabilities. NSW Aero Spec Engineering $399,077 Grant funding will be used to fund the purchase and installation of manufacturing equipment, building modifications, staff training and accreditation. VIC RUAG Australia $1,000,000 Grant funding will be used to modernise and automate critical equipment. VIC The Smart Think Australia $207,291 Grant funding will be used to purchase and install new capital equipment that will increase productivity, and broaden the range of products available. VIC Aquaterro Advanced Product Supplies $372,317 Grant funding will be used to expand storage requirements for weapons and ammunition, in line with Defence specifications. VIC Simbiant $278,475 Grant funding will be used to design and commission a software-defined radar advanced signal processing facility. SA Rojone $129,950 Grant funding will be used to purchase capital equipment and undertake technical training. This will enable the production of military grade cable assemblies within Australia. NSW   To download the latest issue of Asia-Pacific Defence Reporter, click here