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The government has released the Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS), a plan that is stated to 'define the strategic rationale for a sovereign defence industrial base and sets out pathways for maximising support for Australian industry and its critical contribution to national security.'
This strategy details the actions the government will take to grow the defence industrial base and deliver a greater partnership between Defence and industry.
“Australia’s defence industry supports over 100,000 Australian jobs. It is an essential partner in keeping Australians safe at home, secure in the world and employed in well-paid, high skill jobs," said Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry.
“This strategy will underpin essential reforms that will ensure that critical capabilities are provided to the men and women of the ADF as soon as possible, while also supporting an industry vital to our national security. I look forward to working with industry to implement the Defence Industry Development Strategy, and deliver an innovative, resilient and competitive Australian defence industrial base that creates a stronger, more secure Australia.”
With the release of the DIDS, industry will have clarity on the priorities for Defence through the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs), providing detail and timelines.
The seven Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities are:
- Maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade of Australian Defence Force aircraft.
- Continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment.
- Sustainment and enhancement of the combined arms land system.
- Domestic manufacture of guided weapons, explosive ordnance and munitions.
- Development and integration of autonomous systems.
- Integration and enhancement of battlespace awareness and management systems.
- Test and evaluation, certification and systems assurance.
In addition to critical procurement reforms within Defence, the government also announced increased funding for defence industry grants programs, taking the total investment to $183.8 million.