A long standing commitment to the Defence sector
South Australia is the Defence State and plays a significant role in delivering Australia’s Defence capability.
With a competitive business environment, a strong Defence presence and a vibrant research and development ecosystem, South Australia is the best place for defence-relevant invention and innovation.
History of working with Defence
Defence science begins in Australia.
Department of Munitions established. Salisbury Explosives Factory and Finsbury Munitions Factory built within rural environs of Adelaide.
Long Range Weapons Establishment formed in Salisbury, South Australia to support the guided weapons facility at Woomera.
Long Range Weapons Establishment and all the Salisbury laboratories amalgamated to form the Weapons Research Establishment.
RAAF Base Edinburgh established near Salisbury, superseding Mallala.
As a result of Defence restructuring, the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) is created
Building begins on Australia’s Collins Class Submarine at Osborne South Australia
Torpedo Systems Centre and Maritime Experimentation Laboratory opened at DSTO Edinburgh
South Australian government established Port Adelaide Maritime Corporation (PAMC) and was disbanded in August 2007, being replaced by Defence SA
Defence SA starts construction of Australia’s premier shipyard – Techport Australia – at Osborne
Defence SA begins operation
Australian government announced Australia’s future submarines (Attack Class) would be constructed at Osborne South Australia
Techport Australia officially completed and launched
As part of the Australia’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan, Osborne, South Australia announced as the build location for Australia’s Future Frigates (SEA5000) and Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Australia’s third (and last) Air Warfare Destroyer (HMAS Sydney) is commissioned.
Proof Range established at Port Wakefield.
Munitions Supply Laboratories established at Finsbury, South Australia (In 1948 renaming to Defence Research Laboratory).
Anglo-Australian Joint Project established at Woomera, with aviation support at RAAF Base Mallala.
Three new laboratories formed in Salisbury – High Speed Aerodynamics Laboratory, Propulsion Research Laboratory and the Electronics Research Laboratory, collectively known as the Chemistry & Physics Research Laboratory.
WRESAT, Australia’s first artificial satellite, was built and launched (from Woomera South Australia)
Surveillance Research Laboratory and Electronics Research Laboratory merge to form the Electronics & Surveillance Research Laboratory headquartered in Salisbury, leaving only two laboratories in DSTO.
Electronics & Surveillance Research Laboratory complex rationalised and new “Knowledge Systems Building” in Edinburgh, South Australia, (the newly renamed part of Salisbury containing DSTO.
Osborne was identified as the primary shipbuilder for the AWD project, and the AWD Alliance was formed later that year to organise and implement the project.
South Australian government awards construction contract of Techport Australia to McConnell Dowell / Built Environs joint venture
South Australian government announced the establishment of Defence SA
Cobham Aviation Services supplied, modified and integrated the on-board mission systems for 10 Dash 8 maritime surveillance aircraft, and now operates and maintains the aircraft.
Construction on Australia’s first Air Warfare Destroyer commences at Osborne, South Australia
South Australian government agrees to establish the Defence Innovation Partnership
The Defence Innovation Partnership is launched.
South Australia has a proven track record of delivering collaborative research and development with our capable industry base and strong Defence presence.
South Australia has a strong and diverse industry base, underpinned by a skilled workforce and enabling infrastructure.
Defence projects and research and development activity are major contributors to South Australia’s economy. A focus on growing defence-relevant areas such as cyber security, space technologies, advanced materials and autonomous systems continues strengthen the state’s economic future.
Making connections for defence research and development
The Defence Innovation Partnership is a catalyst for defence-relevant research and development in South Australia. We foster collaboration and engagement between Defence SA, Defence Science and Technology, the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the University of South Australia and other research organisations and industry.