More than $22 million has been awarded to 60 Australian businesses through the latest round of the Defence Industry Development Grants program to strengthen sovereign capability and support skilled jobs.
The Australian Government has awarded more than $22 million to 60 Australian businesses under the latest round of the Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) program, supporting investment in advanced manufacturing, sovereign capability and defence industry growth.
The grants, allocated between November 2025 and June 2026, will help businesses expand production, modernise facilities and deliver components for priority defence programs spanning submarines, aerospace, guided weapons, communications systems, robotics, advanced materials and cyber security.
Among the largest recipients is Western Australia’s Aurora Labs Ltd, which will receive $1 million to procure an advanced laser powder bed fusion machine for manufacturing propulsion systems. Victoria’s Cop-A-Mate Products Pty Ltd has also been awarded $1 million to establish local manufacturing capability for mission-critical land vehicle armour and exhaust components.
New South Wales-based Lintek Pty Limited will receive $1 million to upgrade its printed circuit board production facility, while South Australia’s Southern Launch.Space Pty Ltd has secured $1 million to acquire range safety and communications infrastructure for test and evaluation activities.
Other recipients include Queensland’s Gurit Australia Pty Ltd, which has been awarded $559,852 to establish local manufacturing capability for bespoke subsea buoyancy systems for the Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicle.
Tasmania’s Currawong Engineering Pty Ltd will receive $184,659 to purchase a vertical machining centre to enhance production of aerospace-grade electronic speed controllers and engines, while Northern Territory-based Micca Holdings Pty Ltd has been awarded $62,419 for new laser cutting and welding equipment to increase naval sustainment capability.
The competitive grants provide matching funding of up to 50 per cent for eligible Australian defence suppliers, enabling businesses to grow their capabilities while contributing to Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base.
The latest funding round brings total investment delivered through the program to more than $73 million since its launch in June 2024. Collectively, the program has now supported more than 200 grants nationwide.
Delivered through four streams – Exports, Skilling, Security and Sovereign Industrial Priorities – the program is designed to help Australian businesses enter new markets, strengthen workforce capability, improve security standards and invest in critical manufacturing technologies.
Minister for defence industry Pat Conroy said the latest round highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to Australian defence manufacturing.
“Awarding more than 200 grants in under two years is a significant milestone and demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to backing Australian defence industry and Australian jobs.
“These investments are helping local businesses to grow their capability, modernise operations and compete globally, while delivering the sovereign capabilities our Australian Defence Force needs now and into the future.
“By supporting skills, manufacturing and security across the country, we are building a stronger, more resilient defence industry and a future made in Australia.”
Applications for the Defence Industry Development Grants program remain open year-round until 2028, providing Australian businesses with ongoing opportunities to invest in new technologies and strengthen the nation’s industrial capability.
