Why global companies are choosing Queensland

Innovation

Queensland has world-class capabilities in the innovation and advanced manufacturing sectors. These include:

  • automated systems development, including onboard sensor systems
  • unmanned systems
  • hypersonic aerodynamics
  • surveillance technologies, including non-cooperative facial recognition
  • fibre composite development with a concentration of autoclaves located in South East Queensland
  • materials development, including unique composite structures and nanotechnology
  • microelectronics
  • robotics
  • microwave and radio frequency communication technologies
  • data security
  • geospatial technology including geographic information systems (GIS) development
  • visualisation and simulation technologies
  • space technologies, including Earth observation data analytics, launch, ground systems, systems component manufacturing, robotics and automation.

Defence industry capabilities

Queensland is home to more than one-third of the Australian Army and a thriving defence industry supply chain—supported by global and local suppliers.

For many small-to-medium Queensland enterprises, joining the defence industry supply chain has created new, stable revenue streams and more jobs for Queenslanders. Check out some of the many different businesses and people working in defence industries.

Find out more about Queensland’s defence industry capabilities and the world-class companies supporting these for:

Research and development

In addition to specialised innovation projects, 80% of Queensland companies working in the defence sector invest in research and development (R&D), highlighting the progressive attitude of our industry. Of these companies, almost 60% spend $100,000 or more each year on R&D activities.

Find out more about Queensland’s cutting-edge R&D facilities.

An industry-focused government

The Queensland Government is committed to building partnerships with industry and supporting programs that help build on the state’s strengths and maximise opportunities to tap into global supply chains.

This is a key component of the Queensland Defence Industries 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan (PDF, 5.7 MB). With a mission for Queensland to be Australia’s front line for defence industries—delivering sovereign capability that supports our national defence interests.

The plan builds on the increasing number of large-scale and technologically advanced projects based in Queensland. This includes:

  • Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE ) – the most advanced military vehicle manufacturing facility in Australia – which is delivering under Land 400 Phase 2 Army’s largest acquisition …
  • Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre – developing world-leading autonomous and robotic technologies for the Australian Defence Force
  • Queensland Flight Test Range at Cloncurry Airport – an Australian-first commercial unmanned aerial systems test facility.
  • Shell Forging Facility at Maryborough will be operated by Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions and will produce artillery shells for the ADF and well as export ammunition for the US F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.
  • Boeing’s largest autonomous systems development program outside of the United States.

Services and support

Last updated: 16 Nov 2021