At the beginning of November 2025, the Western Australian Government unveiled its plans to support its defence business via a new fund and innovation grant, ahead of the 14th Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference and International Maritime Exposition.
The state government is launching the AUKUS SME Readiness Fund, which provides $2 million for small and medium enterprises over four years and targets immediate opportunities for Western Australia’s defence industry business to compete in the US and UK supply chains.
Local businesses can qualify for supply chain entry with grants of up to 50% of their total costs, up to a maximum of $100,000.
AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK, and the US intended to enhance defence and security capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
In conjunction, the government is also opening the fourth round of the Defence Ready Initiative – an established grant program that has assisted close to 50 local small and medium businesses to improve their capabilities and enter defence supply chains around the world.
Shining light on WA’s defence
The Western Australian Government has opened its applications for the Defence and Research Teaming (DaRT) grant. The grant offers up to $200,000 for bold research ideas that tackle real-world challenges in the defence sector.
Successful applicants will be able to expand and refine their pitches made at Exercise Western Dawn to stimulate capabilities and to bring ideas to fruition. DaRT applications will be assessed by an independent panel on novelty, feasibility, value for money, effect and collaboration.
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia says the government is working to grow the state’s defence sector to become the second largest industry with the goal of creating more jobs and diversifying the economy.
“The DaRT initiative helps de-risk new defence technologies, mature innovative concepts, and support sovereign capability development – all of which contribute to Western Australia’s long-term economic resilience,” Papalia says.
This news comes ahead of the defence and maritime innovators showcasing at the INDOPAC 2025 in Sydney over the next two days from 4-6 November 2025.
Team WA – a 42 delegation of local businesses – will exhibit cutting-edge products, services and expertise to global defence leaders, maritime agencies, and industry decision-makers from across the Indo-Pacific region.
This year’s theme – Strength at Sea = Security and Prosperity at Home – represents that Australia’s naval power is central to its national security.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: iStock & AUKUS
