The government has invested $3.4 million into Australian businesses producing defence capabilities under the Defence Global Competitiveness and Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority programs.
The program provides 50 per cent matching grants to 10 businesses, which in the latest round includes companies developing counter-drone technology, ballistic protection materials, and components for guided munitions and hypersonic vehicles.
“The Albanese Government is committed to making sure Australian Defence Force personnel are equipped with the capabilities they need to keep Australians safe and protect our national interests," said Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry.
“One of the best ways we can do this is through Defence grant programs, which help businesses grow, creating highly skilled and well-paid jobs. Defence grant programs such as these support our industry to be innovative and competitive in the production of world-class defence technologies and platforms.”
The full list of recipients in this round are:
Aerobond (SA) receiving $849,876 to acquire and commission a 5-axis computerised numerical control machining centre, composite filament winding machine and related manufacturing capabilities for production and integration of composite structures and electronics in support of guided munitions, hypersonics and integrated defence systems.
Hendon Semiconductors (SA) receiving $689,251 to acquire and commission assorted equipment for printed circuit board prototyping, testing, inspection, reworking and application of conformal coatings, in support of a wide range of defence platforms which require ruggedised electronics.
U-Neek Bending Co (VIC) receiving $631,833 to acquire and commission a Trumpf TruLaser Weld 5000 system for welding complex metal parts used in aerospace, land combat vehicles and munitions.
Advanced Navigation (NSW) receiving $278,756 to acquire a wire bonder and associated equipment to establish a photonic chip assembly and characterisation capability, for use in inertial navigation and navigation Doppler Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems.
Advanced Power Drives (NSW) receiving $253,579 to acquire an automatic stencil printer, an automated optical inspection machine and related equipment for circuit board assembly and inspection, for use in motor control units used for position control in uncrewed air systems and other platforms.
Protonautics (QLD) receiving $245,267 to acquire and commission a computerised numerical control multi-tasking turning centre, measurement probes and non-destructive test capabilities to support the manufacturing of components for precision guided munitions and hypersonic vehicles.
Jehbco Manufacturing (NSW) receiving $142,316 to install post-curing ovens and chillers for production of silicone gaskets and O-rings used in guided weapons and maritime platforms.
Armor Australia (NSW) receiving $122,970 to acquire and integrate a fabric cutting system for application to multilayered ballistic protection materials for use in soft or hard compression moulded body armour.
Droneshield (NSW) receiving $104,700 to acquire, install and commission an anechoic test chamber to allow in-house testing of RF components that are used in anti-drone and electronic warfare systems.
JTM Gaskets (SA) receiving $83,559 to acquire a high-speed cutting machine for precision use with thicker and harder materials used in gaskets for maritime and communications applications.