• US Marine Corps F-35Bs from USMC Air Station Iwakuni in Japan at Changi Airport as part of the Singapore Airshow 2018. Credit: Lockheed Martin via Twitter
    US Marine Corps F-35Bs from USMC Air Station Iwakuni in Japan at Changi Airport as part of the Singapore Airshow 2018. Credit: Lockheed Martin via Twitter
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The Singapore Airshow, one of the largest events of its kind in Southeast Asia, has commenced with the largest ever delegation of Australian companies in attendance.

The event comes at a time when many regional air forces, including Australia's, are placing an increasing emphasis on modernisation, with around US$13 billion to be spent over the 2018-22 period. The airshow coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s founding and is expected to draw close to 50,000 attendees and over 1000 exhibitors from 50 countries. 

Defence Industry Minister Pyne said 37 Australian companies will showcase their wide range of products and services on the Team Defence Australia stand with at least another 12 companies participating in the Australian program of activities.

“The high level of interest shown in Team Defence Australia events is another strong demonstration of Australian defence companies’ commitment to export,” Minister Pyne said.

“It also reflects the increasing export opportunities for Australia’s world leading defence industry.”

Minister Pyne, who travelled to Singapore earlier this year to meet with around 20 of Australia’s Asia-based Defence representatives, said the Singapore Airshow was the next step in promoting Australian Industry.

“In my discussions with the Defence Attachés posted across the Asian region, it’s clear there is an appetite for Australian industry to grow and enter new markets in the region and the Singapore Airshow is a great opportunity for Australian companies to showcase their capability to these new markets,” Minister Pyne said.

“It underscores the importance of the new Defence Export Strategy which provides support for growth, investment and job creation.”

“Team Defence Australia provides small-to-medium sized companies with excellent opportunities to promote their products and capabilities to defence forces and defence companies around the world,” Minister Pyne said.

“The Defence Export Strategy released last week outlined how Team Defence Australia will be expanded to deliver more trade shows and targeted trade missions.” he said.

The 2018 Airshow will run from 6–9 February.

ADM Deputy Editor-at-Large Nigel Pittaway will report from the airshow in Thursday's Defence Week.   

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