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Defence & Aerospace to the United States of America

Eligible businesses can apply for support to export Defence and Aerospace products and services to the USA. Applications closed on Sunday 26 November 2023.

Program dates

February to April 2024

Number of hours you'll invest in sessions prior to travelling in-market:

Approximately 15 hours in online preparatory sessions, not counting optional activities or work your business may need to do outside of sessions.

Key event

Sea-Air Space on 8-10 April 2024 in Maryland

  • In-person attendance at the event is required
  • Participants are also required to register to exhibit on the Team Defence Australia stand – Registrations open 13 November 2023; please register here in addition to filling in the NSW Application below.

Why this market

The United States spends close to $800 billion annually on national defence, amounting to 12% of federal spending and 3.5% of GDP.  The U.S. spends more on defence, relative to the size of its economy, than any other member of the G7.

The US Department of Defence (DOD)’s 2024 budget proposes $842 billion in discretionary spending – a 3%, or $26 billion increase from current levels. Specifically, the budget calls for $9.1 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, $6 billion in support for Ukraine, and $37.7 billion to continue U.S. nuclear arsenal modernisation.

Additional priorities include unspecified spending to optimise and modernise U.S. shipbuilding, bolster cybersecurity programs, provide robust funding for biodefence and pandemic preparedness, and to procure an assortment of both manned and unmanned combat aircraft.

While the proposed 2024 budget proposes a 3.2% increase in overall defence spending, non-defence spending would rise at more than twice that rate in the next fiscal year.

Participation requirements and success factors

Eligibility for the overall Program

  • Have headquarters in NSW
  • Have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) registered for NSW 
  • Be export-capable and export-ready 
  • Have an employee number between 3 and 199 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees 
  • The product or service must be produced primarily in NSW
  • The product or service is achieving sales already in NSW
  • Have a website featuring the product or service
  • Be prepared to adapt the product or service for the new market 
  • Be flexible regarding market-entry methods
  • Have resources to support marketing and development for a new market
  • Be willing to travel to the selected market and/or to Sydney for events, and must cover own travel expenses

Note this program is designed for NSW businesses who produce and own their own brand.

Additional eligibility requirements for this stream

  • Compelling proposition for the U.S. market
  • Already established a U.S. product-market fit
  • May have already identified potential customers and or partners in the U.S.
  • A product or service that can be exported to the U.S. within the next 12 months.

Businesses not eligible for this stream

  • Businesses that provide project management, advisory services, or academic institutions
  • Applicants should not have previously participated in a Going Global Program to the USA

Curriculum

Introductory sessions and market intelligence

  • Welcome session – February
  • Market briefing on the U.S. defence and aerospace ecosystem and opportunities for NSW businesses
  • Intro to financing options
  • Go-to-market/sales strategy
  • Setup (business registration, tax and structure)

Preparation to meet potential partners/customers

  • 1:1 calls to learn about the business’s export readiness and needs
  • QUAD chart development
  • Pitch improvement
  • Identification of potential business partners/ opportunities
  • Pre-departure briefing

Introductions to potential partners/customers

  • In-market assistance and logistical support from Investment NSW
  • Targeted Business matching meetings
  • Networking

Ongoing advice and follow up

  • Ongoing support provided by a dedicated NSW Government Export Adviser.

*note: the curriculum is subject to change

How to apply

NSW Going Global Export Program

Applications for Defence & Aerospace to United States of America closed on Sunday 26 November 2023. Applicants will be notified of the outcome around 11 December 2023.