South Australia - The Defence State

ESTABLISHED AND EXPERIENCED INDUSTRY

South Australia has a proud automotive manufacturing history that has translated into an excellent support base for military vehicle prototyping, fabrication, assembly and through-life support.

General Dynamics Land Systems and BAE Systems Australia operate Australia's largest privately-owned military vehicle facilities in Adelaide, supporting small wheeled vehicles such as the Land Rover right through to large armoured vehicles such as the M113 and ASLAV. The new MTU Detroit Diesel - Australia's new advanced engine maintenance facility will further enhance the state's standing as a military vehicle systems centre.

This state also maintains its competitive advantage in the electronics industry sector, including a major strength in battlefield command, control and communications systems. Raytheon Australia and Saab Systems are well established in South Australia, employing hundreds of personnel on a broad range of defence projects.

LEADING-EDGE RESEARCH AND TRAINING CAPABILITIES

South Australia's industry expertise is backed up by the presence of the DSTO's Land Operations Division (LOD) at Edinburgh. LOD undertakes operational analysis, modelling and experimentation. It has also played a significant role in the design of the Australian Army's future and development of the Hardened and Networked Army and Enhanced Land Force Concepts.