Local businesses pitch to major defence contractors

21/11/2016 

• About 30 companies to meet individually with two major defence companies
• Multi-billion dollar defence contracts in armoured vehicles up for grabs
• Capability of WA businesses demonstrated to defence suppliers 

Local companies will vie for their share in defence contracts worth billions of dollars to build components of the Australian Defence Force's new fleet of light armoured vehicles.

Almost 30 Western Australian small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) will attend one-on-one meetings today and tomorrow, where they will showcase their products and capabilities to two design proponents - Rheinmetall Defence Australia and BAE Systems Australia.

The local businesses specialise in a range of products and services including niche engineering, electrical and mechanical systems, laser survey technology, anti-corrosion and galvanising, fire and rescue equipment, and vehicle simulators.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the Liberal National Government was partnering with the Australian Government to arrange the meetings with the two major defence contractors.

Mr Mischin said the LAND 400 program would deliver about 1,100 next generation armoured fighting vehicles to replace the Force's dated fleet used extensively in Afghanistan.

"Rheinmetall's Boxer CRV and BAE's AMV35 are currently undertaking battlefield testing as the companies compete to be selected late next year as the final proponent for the build project," he said.

"Both companies have made a commitment to maximise the number of local WA businesses taking part in the project if they are the chosen proponent."

The Minister said the WA industry had proven it was well-positioned to enter the supply chain for major defence projects and the next generation of armoured fighting vehicles was no exception.

"There is a potential for WA companies with specialised product and capability to have significant opportunities to participate in this important build program," he said.

"The Liberal National Government is supporting WA businesses to secure defence industry work and is committed to further growing the industry and securing local jobs for decades to come."

Fact File

• WA is home to about 180 companies with direct defence contracts, of which the majority are SMEs
• Rheinmetall Defence and BAE Systems are among the world's largest defence contractors