A group of South Australian defence firms will make their mark at this year’s Defence and Security Equipment International, Japan’s only large-scale, fully integrated defence event, opening the door to potential future trade prospects among manufacturers throughout the Asia-Pacific.
The event, which commenced on Wednesday, will feature six SA companies presenting their cutting-edge technologies to global defence industry executives and investors, with the goal of new products and services to key markets throughout the region.
Nick Champion, minister for trade and investment, met with the South Australian delegation at DSEI Japan and will support the companies involved during his trade mission to the country this week.
Over 10,000 delegates are expected to attend the three-day event, which will feature over 200 exhibitors from around the world and will provide unprecedented access to the Japanese and Asia-Pacific defence markets, the SA government said in a news release.
The event comes on the heels of Japan’s bold new national security strategy, which aims to double its national defence budget to around 1.1 per cent of GDP, or AUD 55 billion, over the next five years – an investment that would place Japan ninth in global defence spending.
The state government said small and medium-sized businesses make up the SA contingent, which will travel with a delegation from the Australian defence sector that is being led by Major General David Coghlan and Air-Vice Marshal Gavin Turnbull.
Local companies participating include Australian defence software and systems engineering company Acacia Systems, X-ray technology company Micro-X LTD, sheet metal manufacturer Rowlands Metalworks, and robotics firm Tekuma Pty Ltd.
Spacecraft mission delivery services provider Inovor Technologies and BMT Defence and Security Australia will also grace the event.
“Japan’s investment in its defence sector is significant and as a global leader in defence industries we want to ensure South Australian companies are at the fore of the opportunities available across the Asia-Pacific region,” Minister Champion noted.
By bringing together experts in the worldwide defence sector, the minister emphasised that the event will give local firms the chance to forge new international connections, expand trade networks, and source the newest machinery and systems for the state’s large backlog of upcoming projects.
