Land

South Australia is primed to capture further work under the Australian Army’s Land Force modernisation plans, particularly networking, repair and maintenance. It’s no wonder defence is booming in this State. 

Established and experienced industry

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

General Dynamics Land Systems-Australia and BAE Systems Australia operate two of Australia's largest privately-owned military vehicle facilities in Adelaide. They support small wheeled vehicles such as the Land Rover, right through to large armoured vehicles such as the M113 and ASLAV. GDLS-A was recently awarded a $360 million contract to upgrade a fleet of over 100 ASLAVs. 

MTU Detroit Diesel’s new advanced engine maintenance facility further enhances the state’s standing as a military vehicle hub for defence. 

These primes are well supported by an established base of small to medium enterprises with significant fabrication, production and maintenance capabilities and concentrated in the Edinburgh defence and automotive precincts.

This state also maintains its competitive advantage in the electronics sector, including a major strength in battlefield command, control and communications systems. Raytheon Australia, Saab Systems and Codan 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 DSTO's Land Operations Division at Edinburgh, who:

  • undertake operational analysis, modelling and experimentation 
  • play a significant role in the design of the Australian Army's future and the development of the Hardened and Networked Army, Enhanced Land Force and Adaptive Army Concepts

Growing defence presence

The arrival of the 1100-strong 7RAR Battle Group is a significant boost to South Australia’s full-time Army presence. Once fully operational, the Battle Group is expected to contribute around $100 million of economic benefit to the state annually, providing significant opportunities for local industry to supply goods and services needed to support the troops and equipment.

Capital construction works of around $600 million have been undertaken to provide new facilities for the Battle Group, transforming Edinburgh Defence Precinct into one of the most modern defence bases in Australia.

Edinburgh was chosen as the Battle Group's new home because of its easy access to transport, training facilities and deep maintenance support, as well as being an attractive location for Defence personnel and their families. South Australia has a proven record of positive outcomes in recruitment, retention and Defence family welfare. 

World-class Defence facilities

South Australia’s established training facilities have unique terrain and conditions that are ideally suited for HNA requirements.

The Cultana Training Area, at the top of the Spencer Gulf, is used extensively by Army for manoeuvre and weapons training, and is set for a major expansion and infrastructure upgrade over the next few years. 

The Proof and Experimental Establishment at Port Wakefield, and the Woomera Test Range in central South Australia are two other unique facilities ideal for research, development and proofing of equipment, weapons and explosive ordnance. 

Excellent road and rail links connect Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Port Wakefield, Cultana, Murray Bridge, Woomera and Darwin, enabling easy transport of equipment, stores, and personnel. South Australia is an ideal defence transportation hub, central to the east, west and northern coasts of Australia.