Regional Insights from Australia, March 2021

Australia’s defence sector is seen as a key pillar of its economic recovery.  Over the next decade Australia will spend some $250 billion on improving their defence capability, and that will be backed up by a further $250 billion dedicated to maintenance and operations.

To enable a sustainable defence manufacturing capability, at least 50% of any programme must involve local providers.  This presents significant opportunities for New Zealand, being that NZ is deemed a local supplier by way of the CER agreement.

The opportunities are far reaching; think technology, small parts of the supply chain and high end specialist areas such as cyber security.  This, coupled with the considerable flow on effect for skilled labour development, signals exciting times ahead!