On October 17, 2024, Washington, D.C. hosted the U.S.-Australia Defence Industries Dialogue, a key event in partnership with Team Defence Australia and QinetiQ. This day-long event brought together leading figures from the U.S. and Australian defence sectors to explore bilateral collaboration in the AUKUS era, along with panels on navigating a license-free environment, uplifting the supply chain, and advanced manufacturing. Attendees included senior defence industry representatives, Fortune 500 companies, policymakers, investors, academics, and national security experts, all focused on strengthening ties between the two nations.
Keynote Speakers and Panels
The Dialogue featured keynote addresses by several high-profile figures, including HE The Hon Dr. Kevin Rudd AC, Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Chris Deeble, Australian Deputy Secretary, Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group, Frederick “Jay” Stefany, Principal Civilian Deputy of the U.S. Navy, and Air Marshal Leon Phillips, Chief Guided Weapons & Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) of Australia’s GWEO Group. These speakers provided deep insights into the current state of U.S.-Australia defence relations, stressing the importance of collaboration to maintain security in an increasingly complex global landscape.
Panel discussions throughout the day covered a wide range of critical topics, including the commercialization of defence technologies, cutting-edge advancements in guided weapons, and the resilience of supply chains between the two nations. The panels underscored how crucial it is for the U.S. and Australia to remain at the forefront of technological innovation in order to respond to modern security threats and protect mutual interests.
Networking and Reception at the Australian Embassy
The Dialogue concluded with a networking reception at the newly reopened Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C. The relaxed atmosphere allowed attendees to further connect and exchange ideas in a more informal setting, fostering deeper relationships between defence leaders and industry experts from both countries. The Embassy served as the perfect venue to highlight the strong diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Australia, while participants discussed potential future collaborations and shared goals.
Defence Industry Roundtable
On the following day, October 18, the Defence Industry Roundtable was held, continuing the momentum of the previous day’s discussions. This exclusive session focused on innovation in the defence industry, with key leaders from both nations exploring opportunities to accelerate technological development and commercialization. The roundtable allowed senior defence officials, industry experts, and innovators to engage in targeted discussions on advancing new defence technologies, fostering collaboration, and addressing the complex challenges of the sector.
The roundtable served as a critical extension of the Dialogue, offering a space for decision-makers to dive deeper into the innovation process and strengthen cross-border partnerships.
Conclusion
The U.S.-Australia Defence Industries Dialogue demonstrated the enduring strength of the partnership between the two nations, particularly in the evolving defence landscape shaped by the AUKUS agreement. With a focus on innovation, commercialization, and collaboration, the event reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific and advancing their mutual defence capabilities.
The connections forged and ideas exchanged during the Dialogue and Roundtable will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Australia, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancement in the defence sector.
