The initiative supports increased defence industry investment, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, innovation, supply chain participation, test and evaluation, export growth and enhanced opportunities for WA small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The WDF is intended to position WA to capitalise on emerging global Defence opportunities, including those arising from increased Defence expenditure, AUKUS and National Defence priorities.
The initiative seeks to attract major new industrial capability and investment to the State, strengthen sovereign industrial capability and increase participation by WA businesses in national and international defence supply chains.
Phase One: Early Market Engagement (Complete)
Show moreDefence West's Early Market Engagement process has now concluded, providing valuable insight into Western Australia's current and emerging defence and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
The process attracted submissions from industry, research organisations and international participants, helping to map the State's industrial strengths, identify future capability requirements and assess opportunities for investment and growth across the defence sector.
Analysis of submissions identified Prospective Anchor Tenants with the potential to establish significant defence and advanced manufacturing activity in Western Australia. The process also mapped local businesses against future capability and procurement requirements, creating a stronger understanding of the workforce, infrastructure and enabling capabilities required to support long-term industry growth.
Phase Two: Building Capability and Market Access
Show morePhase Two is focused on supporting Prospective Anchor Tenants and strengthening the broader industrial ecosystem required to support future defence and advanced manufacturing activity in Western Australia.
Defence West is working with government, industry and research partners to:
- Connect Prospective Anchor Tenants with capable Western Australian suppliers
- Support industry readiness and capability development
- Strengthen enabling infrastructure, workforce and supply chain capability
- Increase participation in national and international defence supply chains
- Promote Western Australia as a destination for defence and advanced manufacturing investment
This work will help ensure Western Australian businesses are well positioned to participate in future defence opportunities and contribute to the growth of sovereign industrial capability.
Join the Western Defence Forge Industry Network
Show moreWith Phase One complete and Prospective Anchor Tenants identified, Defence West is continuing to strengthen connections across Western Australia's defence and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.
Organisations are invited to join the Western Defence Forge Industry Network and register their capabilities, facilities, workforce capacity and areas of interest.
By joining the network, organisations can:
- Register their capabilities and areas of interest
- Contribute to Western Australia's defence industry capability mapping
- Receive updates on engagement activities and industry events
- Stay informed about Western Defence Forge initiatives and opportunities
- Connect with future supply chain, collaboration and investment opportunities
The information collected will assist Defence West in maintaining an up-to-date understanding of industry capability, capacity and emerging opportunities across Western Australia. This information will support future industry engagement, capability development and supply chain activities associated with Western Defence Forge.
Join the Western Defence Forge Industry Network: Western Defence Forge Industry Network
