A former Rear Admiral, experienced submariner and head of Australia’s largest defence industry body are among the leading global specialists appointed to steer Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) as it comes down under for the first time. UDT Australia, an extension of the popular UDT event staged annually in Europe, will be held in Adelaide from 2-4 December 2026.
It will be a critical global meeting focused on accelerating innovation in the undersea defence sector and translating emerging technologies into operational capability. Attracting delegates and exhibitors from key markets around the world, UDT Australia will bring global leaders to showcase their capabilities while also enabling Australian companies to reach national and international military and government audiences.
A dedicated steering committee has been established to develop the inaugural convention and ensure it addresses key priorities across military, industry, government, workforce and technology.
The UDT Australia steering committee includes:
- Sharon Wilson (Chair) has more than three decades’ experience in advanced technology and supply chain, primarily focused on maritime capabilities. Previously at BAE Systems, Sharon is now a strategic advisor and consultant to industry. She is also Chair of the Defence Innovation Partnership, a collaboration between Defence SA, Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and South Australian universities.
- Rear Admiral Jon Pentreath (Retd), CB, OBE, has been the Senior Naval and Land Advisor for Clarion Defence and Security since 2020; in this role he strengthens UDT’s engagement with the global maritime community through his extensive operational and strategic expertise. A retired senior officer of the Royal Navy, Jon spent more than 30 years as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy (UK), culminating in leading the Joint Helicopter Command. He is a Director of Cormorant Consulting and Almara Aviation Solutions, and sits on a number of charitable boards as a Trustee.
- Commodore Michael Turner is Director General Navy Capability Implementation at the Royal Australian Navy. With more than 35 years naval experience and a background in air warfare, Commodore Turner has served across Australia’s surface combatants and played a key role in driving naval capability advancements in underwater autonomous systems.
- Libby Day is Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Teaming Centre, the leading South Australian headquartered defence industry association focused on strengthening the defence sector and representing more than 17,000 workers. The Defence Teaming Centre connects, develops and advocates for those in the defence sector using a partnership and collaborative model.
- Jessica Hernandez is Director Corporate Affairs and Government Relations at Defence SA, the South Australian Government agency responsible for growing the state’s defence and space sectors. Defence SA works to attract investment, build industry capability and foster collaboration between government, Defence, industry and research organisations, strengthening South Australia’s position as Australia’s Defence State.
- James Samuel is Managing Director – Live Events at Clarion Defence and Security; the event’s organiser. Clarion is known for hosting world-leading defence events globally including UDT Europe, DSEI UK, DSEI Germany, DSEI Japan and APEX Defense.
- Senior representatives from the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) across disciplines including technical capability, industry, government relations, public affairs and policy. ASA manages and oversees Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program, one of the most significant industrial and technical endeavours in Australia’s history.
James Samuel, Managing Director – Live Events at Clarion Defence and Security, said the steering committee brings together leading Australian maritime and defence personnel who are well-respected within the industry and experts in their fields. “Their contributions and extensive industry experience will be highly valued in delivering an event which supports collaboration, advancement and new opportunities for the global defence industry, including Australia, the Indo Pacific and allied nations,” he said.
Sharon Wilson, Steering Committee Chair, said the experienced group was focused on showcasing Australia’s world-leading technology and facilitating collaboration in a must-attend event for industry leaders. “UDT Australia is shaping up to be a highly anticipated event on the defence calendar and I am pleased to be working alongside a group of connected and respected sector leaders to develop the inaugural program,” she said. “We each have a deep understanding of Australia’s technological capabilities and experience in showcasing this across the world, while also knowing what industry is looking for in collaboration and partnership opportunities. I look forward to working with my fellow committee members and Clarion Events to deliver a successful UDT Australia in 2026 and beyond,” she said.
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