duMonde International | Defence & Space Industry Experts

Babcock Australia & New Zealand (Australasia) has successfully delivered HMAS Stuart, the first Anzac Class frigate serviced under the Maritime Sustainment Model at RMP West, marking a new era in sovereign naval sustainment. This 17-week project showcased advanced project management, local supply chain #engagement, and #collaboration with Defence, ensuring the Royal Australian Navy is mission-ready for critical Indo-Pacific deployments. Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland welcomed this milestone achievement, saying, “Quality project management hinges on the ability to remain agile and navigate and persist collaboratively through roadblocks as they arise, and we were certainly able to achieve this through new processes, tools and daily critical pathway meetings with key stakeholders to ensure the maintenance packages were completed to the highest standards.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/erdvk2Cy #SovereignCapability #DefenceInnovation #NavalSustainment #AnzacClassFrigates #RAN #MaritimeSecurity

Cohort plc has announced its largest acquisition to date, integrating Australia’s EM Solutions Pty Ltd into its portfolio to enhance capabilities in satellite communications and naval defence. This strategic move reinforces Cohort’s position in key markets, including the Indo-Pacific, NATO Europe, and South America, while capitalising on the growing demand for advanced communication systems. The acquisition underscores Cohort’s commitment to innovation and growth, leveraging EM Solutions’ expertise in high-speed microwave and satellite technology to broaden its communications and intelligence division. With a robust order book of £559 million, Cohort continues to demonstrate exceptional financial and operational performance in FY2024. “The proposed acquisition of EM Solutions aligns with our strategy to accelerate growth by making targeted acquisitions in the UK and overseas. This is our largest acquisition to date, representing Cohort’s seventh standalone business." said Andy Thomis, CEO of Cohort plc. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gaCu-2Tk #SatelliteCommunications #DefenceInnovation #IndoPacificSecurity #NavalDefence #Cohortplc #EMSolutions #DefenceIndustry #AUKUS

Levett Engineering Pty. Ltd. has been awarded a significant contract with Kongsberg Defence Australia for the manufacture and supply of stacking frames for the naval strike missile capability under Project SEA 1300 Phase 1. This initiative is vital for enhancing the Royal Australian Navy's guided weapons systems. As an integral member of the ASDAM Group, Levett Engineering is renowned for its stringent quality standards and on-time delivery, making it a valuable partner in this critical project. The #collaboration builds on their existing work supporting Marand with Launch Ramp Systems, showcasing Levett’s expertise in precision engineering. This #partnership not only reinforces Levett's commitment to advancing local supply chains but also highlights the increasing collaboration within Australia’s defence sector. "As we continue to expand our local supply chain for the NSM capability for the Royal Australian Navy, we are very pleased to welcome Levett Engineering," according to Kongsberg Defence Australia managing director John Fry. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gAHR69Z5 #AustralianDefence #DefenceIndustry #Manufacturing #NavalStrikeMissile #ProjectSEA1300

The Australian government selects the Damen Shipyards LST100 design for the Australian Defence Force’s Landing Craft Heavy (LAND8710 Phase 2), set to generate over 3,000 jobs while enhancing operational capabilities. Eight LST100 vessels will be built by Austal at the Henderson Shipyard, reinforcing our commitment to local manufacturing and national security. Construction is expected to commence in 2026, as part of the Integrated Investment Program (2024-34) aimed at bolstering Australia’s defence industrial base. “This project is an important part of our plans for continuous naval shipbuilding in both South Australia and Western Australia, which is creating thousands of well-paid and high-skilled jobs,” Minister Pat Conroy said. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gS5_T54b #AustralianDefence #NavalShipbuilding #LittoralFleet #Advancement #DefenceCapability

Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, in collaboration with local partner IntelliDesign, has completed its Australian Industry Capability (AIC) commitments for Project Land 400 Phase 2. They successfully built, tested, and qualified 130 Turret Drive Stabilization Systems (TDSS) for the Army's Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV), achieving a 50% AIC requirement and creating new jobs in the process. Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, expressed pride in this collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to support Rheinmetall's Boxer CRV production and leverage our successful partnership with IntelliDesign for further defence program fulfilment.” This milestone not only meets immediate project goals but also sets a precedent for future AIC initiatives, strengthening local industry, promoting innovation and resilience within the Australian defence landscape. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gyaCzUt2 #DefenceIndustry #AustralianIndustryCapability #Innovation #Collaboration #Land400Phase2

The recent discourse surrounding US Vice President-elect JD Vance's comments raises significant questions about the future of the AUKUS alliance, particularly regarding military support and the implications for freedom of speech in Australia. As the nation grapples with the challenges of regulating misinformation online, there are growing concerns that a Trump presidency could compel Australia to align its policies more closely with US perspectives, potentially straining this vital partnership. Senator Malcolm Roberts has voiced concerns during a recent Senate inquiry, suggesting that Australia’s misinformation bill could undermine AUKUS. While some critics support this view, its credibility remains a topic of debate. Meanwhile, Labor's Ed Husic MP strives to navigate a path that harmonises local priorities with US expectations, particularly in artificial intelligence and free speech. Furthermore, former foreign minister Bob Carr has expressed scepticism regarding Australia's nuclear submarine ambitions under AUKUS, indicating that US military priorities may overshadow Australian requests. The potential appointment of Pete Hegseth as Defence Secretary adds another layer of uncertainty to the alliance's future. While current Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has been a staunch supporter of AUKUS, the evolving political landscape may reshape this critical relationship. This situation underscores the intricate balance Australia must maintain between its domestic policies and its commitments to international defence partnerships, especially in light of shifting political dynamics. #AUKUS #DefencePolicy #Australia #USRelations #FreedomOfSpeech #MisinformationRegulation Read more: https://lnkd.in/gUgNgzq4

Hanwha Defence Australia, Hanwha Systems, and GME have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the MilCIS Conference in Canberra, signifying a significant step towards advancing Australian Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) capabilities, particularly for Project Land 4140.   Vice President of Hanwha Systems C4I and Land Business, Danny (Sungkyun) Park said "Hanwha Systems is committed to collaborating closely with capable Australian industries like GME, delivering next-generation tactical communication systems tailored to the Australian Army’s operational needs,”   The collaboration leverages Hanwha’s extensive experience from its ongoing projects in South Korea, notably the Army TIGER initiative, to deliver tailored solutions that meet the operational needs of the Australian Army. Read more: https://lnkd.in/giZtWGUF   #DefenceIndustry #C4ISystems #Hanwha #GME #Land4140 #MilitaryCommunication #AustralianDefence

Australia's SEA 3000 program has reached a significant milestone with the shortlisting of Germany's thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Royal Australian Navy's future frigate fleet. The $7-10 billion program aims to deliver 11 General Purpose Frigates by 2034, with capabilities in helicopter operations, air and missile defence, and various strike missions. The decision to shortlist TKMS and MHI reflects a careful evaluation of construction timelines, design transferability, and interoperability. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5U_CSBK #NavalDefence #NavalCapability #DefenceIndustry #ProjectSea3000 #AustralianDefence #MaritimeStrategy

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, significant implications for Australia’s defence strategy emerge. With a renewed emphasis on allied defence spending, Australia faces growing pressure to increase its military budget, currently around 1.99% of GDP. In light of rising multipolarity and escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific, United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney chief Mike Green and Strategic Analysis Australia’s Peter Jennings and Michael Shoebridge. highlight the pressing need for Australia to enhance its defence capabilities. While there are challenges to navigate—especially in light of the recent cancellation of key defence initiatives like the JP 9102 military satellite communications program—opportunities exist for accelerated cooperation with U.S. defence priorities. Engaging in thoughtful dialogue on how to strengthen Australia's defence infrastructure and readiness in this pivotal period is essential. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gpSmEJya #DefenceStrategy #AuUs #InternationalRelations #MilitaryReadiness #TrumpAdministration #StrategicAnalysis

EDEA Energy has successfully exported its advanced #super6T lithium-ion battery to a US defence client, marking a significant milestone for Australia's defence sector and its export capabilities. This cutting-edge battery, developed with substantial investment and innovation over four years, is engineered to power approximately 95% of NATO-aligned military vehicles, including critical assets such as main battle tanks and support trucks. With a growing demand for advanced and reliable energy solutions, EDEA Energy, in partnership with Energy Renaissance, is positioned to supply sovereign, high-performance energy storage solutions that enhance national security and operational efficacy. “EDEA can now confidently supply the Australian Defence Force and primes with 100 per cent sovereign Australian energy storage solutions – from cell processing to battery manufacturing. This eliminates foreign security and supply chain risk and removes FX and quality uncertainty,” said Mark A. Tipping, managing director, EDEA Energy. This partnership opens doors for further collaboration in developing innovative battery technologies designed to meet complex defence requirements. EDEA Energy is poised to play a vital role in elevating Australia's standing in the global defence industry. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gxNAFZcN #DefenceInnovation #AustralianManufacturing #ExportCapability #EDEAEnergy #LithiumIonTechnology #NationalSecurity #GlobalDefenceMarket