Understanding what lies in the year ahead for Defence Industry

Last week the 23rd ADM Congress was held in Canberra bringing together several hundred delegates from government, industry, academia, and national security think tanks. As a key event in the Australian defence industry calendar, the Congress focused on future capability requirements, acquisition reform, sustainment, geopolitics, and sovereign industry growth.

This year’s Congress was co-located with the ADM AUKUS Pillar II Forum, the Defence Financing Summit, and the ADM Space Summit, providing a comprehensive, multi-forum platform for engagement across defence, space, and international collaboration.

Discussions highlighted Australia’s evolving strategic environment, with an emphasis on maritime and space security being central to national defence and economic prosperity. Updates were also provided on reforms to the defence acquisition system, including the establishment of the new Defence Delivery Agency.

A key announcement from the Minister for Defence Industry outlined plans to partner with private capital to co-invest in Australian SMEs developing defence and dual-use advanced capabilities — a move aimed at strengthening sovereign capability and accelerating industry growth.

Pictured below are Major General Jason Blain, Head of Land Systems speaking with ADM Publisher Ewen Levick and Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy making his keynote address.

Pictures courtesy of Kirra Davey

Steven Holloway who attended the event said ‘…it has been six years since my last ADM Congress and  the multi-forum approach provided an excellent opportunity for networking across key areas of defence as well as hearing the latest news and insights for the year ahead.’

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