Capabilities
Victoria’s world-class aerospace design and manufacturing capabilities make a significant contribution to Australia’s military aerospace industry.
Victoria has extensive experience in naval shipbuilding, with more than 40 ships constructed in the State since the 1940s.
Victoria has extensive capabilities in the design, development, manufacturing and sustainment of a range of military vehicles.
With more than 350 digital and cyber security businesses, Victoria is a leading provider of digital defence capabilities to the Australian Defence Organisation.
Victoria brings together the world’s best and brightest minds in defence research and development (R&D). With so many facilities in one state, Victoria is the nation’s hub for innovation and specialist defence knowledge.
Victoria is home to key defence infrastructure with Guided Weapon and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) applications, including munitions manufacture in Benalla (one of only two locations in Australia) and storage & distribution facilities in Mangalore, HMAS Cerberus & Point Wilson.
State of Defence in Victoria
29,000
Defence industry jobs
$10.9bn
Direct Economic Contribution
$4.9bn
Gross Value Added benefits across the supply chain
$210mn
Defence R&D undertaken in Victoria
$1.7bn
Annual exports
Victorian Defence and Space Network
The Victorian Defence and Space Network (VDSN) was officially launched on 11 October 2023 by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP. The VDSN is a Victorian Government initiative that supports and promotes Victorian defence and space industry. As the second-largest contributor to the Defence budget, Victoria is integral to national defence, economy and security.
Events
From 7 to 9 November the Victorian Government will host 30 Victorian defence businesses on the Victorian Government Pavilion at Indo Pacific 2023 in Sydney.
Land Forces will be held from 11 to 13 September 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Expression of Interest to exhibit on the Victorian Government Pavilion at Land Forces 2024 are now open and close 30 November 2023.
The next Avalon Airshow will be held from 25 to 30 March 2025 at the Avalon Airport.
Industry Support
Are you looking for grant opportunities? We offer grants and other support for companies that operate in the defence industry sector in Victoria.