The government has officially launched the Collins-class submarine life of type extension program to ensure the Collins boats remain an effective capability pending the arrival of nuclear submarines next decade | Max Blenkin

The 2025-26 Defence budget was supposed to come in at $58.9 billion but it actually came in at $63.2 billion, around $4 billion higher than forecast, much of which was spent on the nuclear submarines program | Max Blenkin

The Japanese government has created a draft public-private investment roadmap for small drones and is examining a raft of other measures to adapt to the “new ways of warfighting” on display in the Ukraine and Iran conflicts | Corey Lee Bell

China has built and practised with weapons to attack US and ally satellites in space and would certainly use those weapons if war started, the head of US space combat command has warned | Max Blenkin

Expanding Japan’s “comprehensive national power,” absorbing lessons from the Ukraine conflict and strengthening the nation’s defence industrial and technological bases were among the key themes addressed | Corey Lee Bell

Japanese AI/neurotech start-up Araya has successfully undertaken proof-of-concept trials on unmanned ground vehicle autonomous target tracking capabilities, a company press release stated on 27 April | Corey Lee Bell

Saronic and LR partner on safe maritime autonomy

Saronic has announced a strategic partnership with Lloyd’s Register, a provider of classification and compliance services for the marine and offshore industries.

Sentinel Boats wins Special Operations RHIB contract

Tasmanian boat builder Sentinel Boats has won a Defence contract to deliver up to seven general purpose watercraft for Australia’s elite Special Operations Forces.

QinetiQ Australia appoints Advisory Board member

QinetiQ Australia has announced the appointment of Stephen Loosley, to its Advisory Board.

More Apaches arrive in Australia

The Australian Defence Force’s attack helicopter fleet continues to grow, with delivery of a fifth and sixth AH‑64E Apache attack helicopter to the Australian Army.

Inaugural Parliamentary Joint Committee examines Defence

The new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence has commenced its work in examining Defence policy, capability development, and administration and expenditure, with an emphasis on long‑term effectiveness and strategic outcomes.

SPA Australia appoints defence National Lead

Systems Planning & Analysis Australia has announced the promotion of Anthony Ween to National Lead – Defence & Analytics. 

Lockheed Martin becomes AUKUS strategic partner

Lockheed Martin Australia has been selected as Australia’s preferred Virginia Class Submarine Combat System Integration Strategic Partner.

Phasor, Nomad and Q‑CTRL win undersea navigation contracts

The Australian Government has awarded three Australian companies with contracts to develop new undersea navigation technology.

ISTEC Services and SiNAB to collaborate

ISTEC Services has signed a key collaboration agreement with SiNAB. The agreement brings together complementary experiences in platform integration and advanced mission systems to deliver next-generation integrated Counter UAS.

Operator XR completes US Defense project

Operator XR has successfully completed all milestones of the 20-month, $5.6 million subcontract awarded by the United States Department of Defense, delivered as part of Team Endurance Group.

Arkeus to scale AI sensing systems

Arkeus has raised $25 million in Series A funding to accelerate its global expansion. The company will establish advanced manufacturing capabilities in both Queensland and the United States.

Century Engineering secures US defence export contracts

Century Engineering has become the first Australian business to secure export contracts into the United States naval nuclear supply chain — embedding Australian industry within the US industrial base.