Growing NSW's defence industry
The NSW defence industry contributes an estimated $3.4 billion to the defence industry as a gross value add. With unprecedented levels of spending by businesses, investors and government, NSW is well positioned to leverage the opportunities and maximise the benefits of this once in a generation investment.
Key facts
Defence expenditure in NSW exceeds $12.5 billion annually
NSW is home to over 80 defence facilities, including 21 defence bases and training areas
NSW accounts for 29% of Australia’s $2 billion aircraft manufacturing and repair services exports
40% of Australia's defence and aerospace industry reside in NSW
25% of military and defence civilian personnel are residents in NSW
22,700 defence industry direct employment headcount, largest in Australia with year on year growth
NSW Regions and Precincts
A strong defence industry is present within the NSW regions, most notably the Hunter regions, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, Riverina-Murray and Western Sydney. Key strengths reside in high value-added manufacturing, shipbuilding and aerospace maintenance facilities for both plane and helicopter. There is also a nascent and fast-growing autonomous capability across all domains.
Supply chain capabilities
The NSW defence sector is underpinned by world class research institutions, a sophisticated industrial base, end-to-end supply chain capability, and the largest defence footprint (assets and personnel) of all Australian states.
Supplementing the supply chain is the depth of capability in adjacent sectors such as advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. This ensures that sector requirements can be fulfilled without relying solely on Defence contracts and programs, with the added benefit of developing dual-use technologies.
Tap into a collaborative and growing local defence sector
The NSW Government supports the growing NSW defence industry through two key initiatives.
Bringing together industry, universities, State Government and Defence to address Australia’s defence needs
Key services to grow local defence supply chains
Our sponsorships
The NSW Government provides additional support to the defence industry through sponsorships, all of which contribute to the sector's continued development within NSW and across Australia.
Events
- Avalon Australian International AirshowExternal Link is the only comprehensive international exhibition of its kind in the region.
Past funded events
NSW supports and create co-exhibitor opportunities for NSW defence businesses to attend conferences.
Supporting your move to NSW
Investment NSW can connect you with a range of services and incentives available to businesses looking to grow.
Investment NSW offers bespoke services to businesses looking to build a presence within NSW.
The team at Investment NSW provides tailored advice on grants, rebates, programs and other incentives your business may be eligible for.
Whether you need a high-tech lab, an advanced manufacturing facility connected to a university or a greenfield site in regional NSW, we can assist.
We can work with you to establish a presence in a precinct or collaboration area suited to your needs.
We provide services to help you find the right accommodation:
- determining the type of accommodation to best meet your businesses requirements
- advice and support regarding opportunities available on Government land (both long and short term)
- support navigating the planning process
We can provide tailored information and data, including local market insights, on our focus areas.
We can introduce you to stakeholders who can support your growth objectives. This may include connecting you to:
- corporate partners
- business chambers
- industry associations
- technology precincts
- research institutes
- government agencies
We offer curated introductions to help you identify local partners, distributors, industry stakeholders and service providers.
Once you have established here, a wide range of services and programs are available to use NSW as a springboard into Asia. We can help you identify opportunities to expand in the region.
Our Business & Skilled Migration Program actively supports the growth of New South Wales’s key industries, including tech, health, education, and advanced manufacturing. We attract a diverse range of skills and capabilities and nominate high-potential candidates to live and work in NSW.
These efforts fuel the expansion of businesses across the state, offering valuable opportunities for organisations looking to invest in NSW.
For more information about the Business & Skilled Migration Program, please visit our websiteExternal Link.
Tap into the defence opportunities from your inbox
Our newsletter is the best place to stay up to date on what’s happening in NSW, Australia’s Premier defence industry state.
Contact us
Contact us to learn more about the NSW Defence ecosystem and how your organisation can benefit from working in NSW.