First prospective tenants identified for Western Defence Forge

The Government of Western Australia says it has identified five preferred proponents as prospective anchor tenants for its Western Defence Forge advanced manufacturing hub development.

Five companies are immediately progressing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the state government, including Babcock Australasia, OQ Technology and AROSE, Thales Australia, NIOA and Honeywell. The government says it is also in discussion with several other potential tenants to move to the next stage.

The MOUs will establish a framework for collaboration and ongoing engagement between the government and each proponent, to gain an understanding of the opportunities presented and how they will create jobs by strengthening WA industry participation, workforce development and local supply chain involvement.

They will also provide a pathway towards more detailed commercial and project discussions.

The potential priority tenants were identified as part of a market engagement process, which attracted 179 submissions, including 118 from WA-based businesses and 41 from international operators. The potential tenants’ expertise spans advanced manufacturing, aerospace, autonomous systems, guided weapons and explosive ordnance, communications, space and defence infrastructure.

The announcement follows the recent launch of the Western Defence Forge Network, a program that aims to connect WA businesses with major defence industry participants, new projects and supply chain opportunities.

“My government is determined to grasp the economic opportunity that AUKUS, the biggest defence project in Western Australia’s history, will create,” said WA Premier Roger Cook. “The strong local, national and international response to the Western Defence Forge shows there are significant business opportunities available in Western Australia’s defence industry, as well as opportunities to create more quality local jobs for Western Australians.”

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