WA could produce artillery munitions, assemble missiles and build uncrewed aircraft and satellites under proposals from the first five prospective anchor tenants named for the Western Defence Forge (WDF).
Premier Roger Cook at a Press Conference during Land Forces 2026, with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. Image: Roger Cook via Linkedin
Premier Roger Cook announced at land Forces on October 7 that Babcock Australasia, Thales Australia, NIOA, Honeywell and a joint venture proposal from OQ Technology and AROSE are progressing memorandums of understanding with the State Government. Several other potential tenants are also in talks.
Thales has put forward a 155mm forging capability and missile integration, test and acceptance work, and says its proposed precinct would create up to 130 direct jobs.
Babcock is proposing to build uncrewed aerial systems in WA, and OQ Technology and AROSE have bid for local satellite manufacturing and a 5G direct-to-device satellite network.
How your business can get involved
Phase two of the WDF is focused on connecting the prospective tenants with capable WA suppliers and building industry readiness, according to Defence West. Businesses can register their capabilities, facilities, workforce capacity and areas of interest through the WDF Industry Network.
Head of Industry Capability Network WA (ICNWA) Ray Loh said more defence opportunities were close and businesses should be preparing.
“Opportunities linked to Austal’s strategic shipbuilding and further defence projects will be listed on Gateway by ICN in the coming months,” he said.
“Businesses can express interest in the work packages once they go live.
“Project owners use the Gateway to find capable local suppliers, so these work packages will be in front of them as soon as they’re listed.”
With no dates confirmed yet for the WDF itself, Loh said industry needed a timeline to plan around.
“2027 is just around the corner for AUKUS, and defence will be competing with resources and energy projects for the same people and suppliers,” he said.
“The sooner industry has dates, the better it can plan.”
Looking to tap into WA’s growing defence industry?
The Industry Capability Network WA can connect your business with defence and other major project opportunities.
Contact the ICNWA team on 08 9365 7623 or by email at [email protected].
