Defence awards $3.2 million in grants to industry

More than $3.2 million in Defence Global Competitiveness and Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority grants have been awarded to six Australian SMEs that are supporting the manufacturing of defence capabilities.

The grant programs provide 50 per cent matching grants to assist Australian SMEs build capabilities for defence industry and overcome barriers to export.

The six recipients awarded include:

• Lightforce (SA) receiving $1 million to commission new capabilities for manufacturing through-life support for precision riflescopes, night vision and other optic or electro-optic products.
• Integra Systems (VIC) receiving $1 million to install panel bending and fibre optic laser cutters for a range of capability programs.
• XTEK Limited (ACT) receiving $747,707 to acquire and commission a custom press and a new virtual machining centre, enhancing lightweight helmets and body armour and improving helmet production capacity and export market opportunities.
• Direct Edge Manufacturing (TAS) receiving $342,470 to purchase specialised cutting equipment which will support the upgrade of land combat and protected mobility vehicle components.
• Stahl Metall (VIC) receiving $74,900 to install wire braiding and testing units to increase in-house manufacturing capability relevant to the international defence aerospace sector.

Fire System Services (SA) receiving $62,212 to install new equipment, enhancing its testing and certified maintenance of pressure vessels for a range of capability