Western Australian defence, aerospace and space businesses can apply to join a State Government-backed delegation at the largest aerospace and defence trade exposition in the southern hemisphere.
Defence West will host the delegation at the biennial Avalon Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport in Victoria from February 23-28, 2027.
Expressions of interest (EOIs) are now open for businesses with capability, export potential, innovative technologies or strategic relevance to Defence’s Air Domain.
Minister Assisting the Defence Industries Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said WA had globally competitive defence operators.
“These operators have the experience, ingenuity and know how to make big impacts in the sector, and the Cook Labor Government is supporting them to showcase their work on the world stage,” she said.
Getting in front of the right people
Head of Industry Capability Network WA (ICNWA) Ray Loh said events like Avalon were a chance to start building relationships with the people making decisions on defence projects.
“Defence is a long game, and it starts with getting known,” he said.
“You don’t need to come home with a contract. You need to understand what Defence and the companies delivering its projects are looking for, then build your capability and experience from there.”
Loh said businesses should do their groundwork before applying.
“Know which projects you’re targeting, be upfront about what you can do and where the gaps are, and make sure your Gateway by ICN profile is up to date so people can find you afterwards,” he said.
How to apply
Businesses can submit an EOI through the Avalon 2027 WA Industry Delegation form.
Submissions close 5pm (WST) Thursday, November 5, 2026.
To be eligible, your business must:
- Have fewer than 200 full-time employees
- Be headquartered in WA
- Be registered in the WA Defence Industry and Science Capability Directory
- Not be exhibiting at Avalon in your own right
- Agree to submit a post-trade show report within 60 days of the event closure (template to be provided)
If your business is new to defence, contact the Industry Capability Network WA (ICNWA) team on 08 9365 7623 or [email protected] to talk through where you might fit.
