Undersea Defence Technology Expo
A major international defence and trade event will be hosted outside Europe for the first time in its 37-year history, with the Malinauskas Labor Government securing hosting rights in Adelaide for three years.
Adelaide has been confirmed as the host city for Undersea Defence Technology (UDT), a globally recognised defence trade expo.
The event’s 2026 arrival marks the first time UDT will be staged in the Southern Hemisphere, reinforcing South Australia’s reputation as a world-class destination for defence and strategic innovation.
Held at the Adelaide Showgrounds in December 2026, UDT will bring together leading experts in undersea defence technology, government officials and military personnel from around the world and is expected to attract 2,000 delegates, with more than half from overseas.
Event organisers Clarion Events, which also run the world-renowned Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) events, has selected Adelaide as an ideal location for the event.
This is due to the city’s expertise in undersea defence innovation and as a key partner in the AUKUS alliance as the build location for the most significant industrial undertaking in the nation’s history in the SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.
The event provides networking opportunities, innovative conference content and incorporates the latest technologies in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced technologies in the underwater domain.
The event is set to deliver significant economic benefits of more than $30 million to South Australia, while providing local defence primes and SMEs direct access to international markets and key decision makers.
Adelaide secured UDT Australia as an annual three-day event for the next three years until 2028 through a joint bid led by Business Events Adelaide, with support from the South Australian Government through Defence SA, the Adelaide Economic Development Agency and the City of Adelaide.
The 2025-26 State Budget provided more than $10 million across the forward estimates for Business Events Adelaide to increase visitation and tourism to SA by securing major events, conferences and exhibitions.
Precise dates and times are to be confirmed.
