Plant alone isn’t enough: a defence factory is not a defence capability
Western Australia’s industrial base, particularly in the resources sector, is poised to play a crucial role in meeting the naval shipbuilding and sustainment requirements of the Australian Defence Force. The state’s robust industrial infrastructure, engineering expertise, and technical capabilities are well-positioned to support the extraction, processing, and export of essential resources like iron ore and critical minerals. The challenge now lies in integrating these strengths with defense needs, new technologies, skilled labor, and consistent demand to create a seamless industrial system capable of meeting Australia’s strategic demands.
Expanding Industrial Capabilities in Western Australia
During a recent industry tour organized by Defence West at the Land Forces 2026 International Land Defence Exposition, the depth of Western Australia’s industrial base was on full display. The planned developments at the Henderson Defence Precinct and the proposed Western Defence Forge industrial zone in Perth’s south are set to enhance the state’s industrial capacity. However, the true value of these expansions will be realized only when they translate into operational capability.
The Australian Marine Complex, located within the Henderson Defence Precinct, showcases the versatility and scale of Western Australia’s industrial infrastructure. Its common user facility offers a range of services including heavy engineering, fabrication, vessel berths, workshops, and ship-transfer systems. This multi-user model enables various sectors to utilize specialized infrastructure as needed, contributing to the sustainability of capabilities across industries.
Sustaining and Scaling Industrial Capabilities
Specialist suppliers, engineering expertise, and heavy-lift services are essential components of Defence’s shipbuilding and sustainment programs. The recent dismantling of the former HMAS Anzac at Henderson highlighted the importance of domestic capabilities beyond vessel construction. The recovery of components from decommissioned ships demonstrates the breadth of expertise and coordination among local providers.
Civmec’s fabrication and hardstand facilities further underscore Western Australia’s capacity for large-scale engineering and naval construction. The successful launch of the future HMAS Pilbara, an Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel, exemplifies the local industry’s ability to deliver complex maritime assets. The challenge now is to sustain and expand this capability to meet long-term defense requirements.
Looking Ahead: Western Defence Forge and Strategic Manufacturing
The Western Australian government’s initiative, Western Defence Forge, aims to bolster advanced manufacturing in the region. With five preferred proponents identified across various defense sectors, the project seeks to enhance local manufacturing and supply-chain participation. The success of this endeavor will hinge on progressing to operational facilities and sustained production aligned with defense needs.
In conclusion, the Defense West industry tour showcased the existing building blocks for a robust domestic defense industry. The next steps involve aligning and expanding these resources into an integrated industrial system capable of manufacturing, maintaining, and replenishing defense capabilities at the required scale and pace. Success will depend on collaboration between Defense, government, and industry to ensure a seamless transition from promising technologies to dependable operational capabilities.
