Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy announce the contract with Anduril Australia to acquire the Ghost Shark, an autonomous underwater vehicle, at Fleet Base East in Sydney, Australia on Sept 10, 2025. (Photo: Australian Department of Defence)
MELBOURNE — Australia has released a new strategy in its latest effort to grow its sovereign defense industrial base, kicking off reforms to how it will develop and acquire platforms in coming years.
The Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) released today is the third top-level Australian defense document put out this year, following the release of the National Defence Strategy (NDS) and Integrated Investment Plan (IIP) in April. Those previous documents focused on potential threats and Australia’s potential responses, along with the country’s expected budgets to meet defense commitments.
Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the DIDS recognizes the vital role the defense industry plays in the country’s national security by deepening and strengthening the government’s partnership with Australian industry.
“The case for a strong Australian sovereign defence industrial base has never been clearer,” Conroy said in a statement. “We must ensure Australia can manufacture, sustain and scale the capabilities the Australian Defence Force needs, when and where they are required.”
