Media releases

Preparing Australian industry to support the Virginia class submarine combat system

AUKUS in Australia is taking another significant step forward with the Albanese Government selecting Lockheed Martin Australia as the preferred Combat System Integration Partner for Australia’s future fleet of sovereign Virginia class submarines.  This partnership will provide extensive…

Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility strengthens sovereign Defence capability

In a major milestone for Australia’s sovereign defence sustainment capability, the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments have officially opened the $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification Facility at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Edinburgh, South Australia.  The first of its…

Albanese Government signs Defence MOU with Norway, helping make Australia more self reliant and boosting regional security

The Albanese Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Norwegian government, to further support the acquisition and domestic manufacturing of missiles in Australia. The multilateral arrangement will enhance information sharing and collaboration between Australia, Norway and…

Albanese Government delivering for Defence and our veterans

The 2026-27 Budget delivers on the Albanese Labor Government’s recently released 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program outlining an additional $14 billion over the next four years and $53 billion over the decade that the government has invested in Defence in recognition…

Australian Government response to the 2025 independent review of the Woomera Prohibited Area coexistence framework

The Australian Government welcomes the findings of the 2025 independent review of the Woomera Prohibited Area coexistence framework.  The Government accepts all 19 of the review’s recommendations. 17 are accepted in full, while  two – which require additional steps for implementation –…

Enhanced Defence and Security Cooperation with Japan

Australia and Japan have agreed next steps to enhance defence and security cooperation, in order to support our shared ambition for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae of Japan met in Canberra today and issued…

Australia takes leap forward in self-reliance with launch of rocket motor manufacturing

The Albanese Government is strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence industrial base, resilience and self-reliance by investing an initial $126.9 million to establish solid rocket motor production in Australia. Solid rocket motors provide the propulsion required for most guided weapons, and are…

New Secretary of Defence

I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today that Meghan Quinn will become the next Secretary of the Department of Defence.  Having served as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources since 2022, Ms Quinn brings with her a wide range of experience across the public…

Albanese Government strengthens Army's long-range strike capability

In a major enhancement to the Australian Army’s long-range strike capability, the Albanese Government has selected the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), investing $2.3 billion over the decade and delivering a second long‑range fires regiment at…

Securing advanced manufacturing in Bendigo with new Bushmasters

The Albanese Government is investing $750 million to deliver a pipeline of Bushmasters for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) fleet of protected mobility vehicles in regional Victoria, supporting around 300 local jobs for the next seven years.  Thales Australia will build 268 new Bushmasters…

Honouring generations of service and sacrifice on Anzac Day

On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers huddled together silently in their row boats as they approached the beaches and hills of Gallipoli. Although they were young and afraid, they prepared to battle with an unseen enemy to protect the rest of us. Their courage and sacrifice will…

Albanese Government to invest up to $7 billion in counter drone defence

The Albanese Government will more than double investment in counter drones for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with up to $7 billion allocated under the Integrated Investment Program (IIP) over the next decade. As part of the major boost in investment, the Albanese Government today announced two…