Defence awards seven companies $3.8 millions-worth of Global Competitiveness grants

Seven Australian companies have been awarded grants worth a total of $3.8 million under the Defence Global Competitiveness program and the Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority program.

The Australian Government grants focus on building a sovereign Defence industry, directed towards strategic priorities outlined in the Defence Strategic Review. These grants provide up to half the cost of a project to help Australian businesses build capabilities crucial for Defence and to overcome barriers for Defence exports.

“These grant programs support Australian businesses to continue world-class manufacturing, serving Australia’s Defence needs, and providing the boost that’s needed to turn their cutting edge capabilities into successful defence exports,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.

Grants have been awarded for the following projects:

• Advanced Navigation (NSW) is receiving $830,665 for a custom fibre optic coil winding system for strategic-grade fibre optic gyroscope inertial navigation systems. These are used for accurate positioning, autonomous capability and high value asset tracking.
• Frontline Safety Australia (NSW) is receiving $494,343 for a lens cutting machine to produce ballistic protective eyewear as a component of the Ballistic and Laser Ocular Protection System (BLOPS) program.
• Adelaide Profile Services (SA) is receiving $781,018 for an advanced computerised numerical control dual thermal gantry for processing large non-conventional steel plates, such as those required for naval shipbuilding.
• Quantx Labs (SA) is receiving $589,000 to establish a hybrid integration facility for compact quantum sensors which provide precise timing functions within situational awareness capabilities, such as the Joint Operational Radar Network.
• Redline Engineering (VIC) is receiving $676,793 for multi-axis machining and dimensional verification capability. This will support production of complex mechanical components such as radar, small arms and munitions.
• Muir Engineering (TAS) is receiving $300,000 in two grants. They are for the acquisition and commission of computerised numerical control machining capabilities, and a two-tonne capacity gantry crane for manufacturing of anchoring equipment for international defence shipbuilding markets.
• George Lovitt Manufacturing (VIC) is receiving $150,000 for coordinate measuring machines for quality control of larger manufactured components. This will support international defence projects such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

To date, more than 200 Australian businesses have benefitted from the two grant programs. Companies are invited to apply for grant support through: www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs.