For nearly 70 years, we have helped Australian suppliers grow by joining our world-leading defence supply chain. It’s all part of our commitment to help strengthen Australia’s industrial capability and invest in the future.
 
Together, we can advance innovation, contribute to the post-pandemic economic recovery and future-proof our nation in line with Australian Defence Force's sovereign industry capability priorities.
 
We are also responsible for the design and build the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warships, known as the Hunter class. Prototyping is progressing at pace at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia, where representative ship blocks are being constructed.
 
The Hunter class frigates will provide the Royal Australian Navy with critical capability to help protect the nation for decades to come. But Hunter is more than just building ships; it is about growing an enduring and uniquely Australian sovereign industrial capability that supports continuous naval shipbuilding for future generations.
 
We’re working with local companies to transform industry and give the Australian Defence Force the capability edge it needs.

$700M

We spent over $700M with suppliers in 2021
26%

26% of our spend was with Australian small to medium enterprises
6300 FTE

We support over 6,300FTE across Australia
“You can play a major role in helping keep Australia safe and build a more prosperous nation.” — Ben Hudson, CEO - BAE Systems Australia
 

Opportunities 

As an approved supplier, you can help us contribute to major defence capability projects and sustainment activities — across aerospace, land, maritime, space, electronic systems and cyber domains.
 
Our Global Access Program team will work with you to identify opportunities across our global supply chain and partners.
 
We draw on our expertise in engineering, procurement and quality to help you get a competitive edge. You can explore all our public plans on the Department of Defence website.
 

Hunter class frigates

Nearly 1,700 Australian businesses have registered their interest in helping us build the Hunter class frigates. Hunter is the largest surface ship project in the nation’s defence history, and will create and sustain more than 5,000 jobs across BAE Systems and the wider Australian defence supply chain over the life of the program. 

 

The Hawk Lead-In Fighter

The Hawk LIF is the world’s most successful advanced military jet trainer aircraft built on more than 35 years of fast jet training experience. From Williamstown in New South Wales and the RAAF in Pearce, Western Australia, we’re working with local suppliers to provide continuing engineering, supply support and maintenance for the LlF Training System in Australia. Visit the Department of Defence Strategy, Policy and Industry webpage for more information. 

 

Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN)

BAE Systems is working on the $1 billion upgrade of JORN, Australia’s critical sovereign surveillance capability and one of Australia’s first lines of defence. Working with a world-leading high frequency radar, we are delivering a generational upgrade, introducing new technology and architecture translating into over 90% sovereign capability. Enquire now and get more information by viewing PDF's for acquisition or support.

 

Air Warfare Destroyers (DDG)

As part of the Destroyer Enterprise, we have coordinated the sustainment activities as Managing Contractor since 2018. Working with the Royal Australian Navy and other industry partners we deliver materiel availability for the warfighter, successfully achieving Final Operating Capability in 2021. View the Australian Capability Plan for more information. 
 

NULKA

From Melbourne, we support, maintain and continue to update the Nulka active missile decoy, the most sophisticated defence system against anti-ship missiles available for the protection of surface warships, for the Australian, Canadian and US navies. Visit the Department of Defence Strategy, Policy and Industry webpage for more information. 
Building Australian Industry - BAE Systems Australia Suppliers

Build your business,
build Australian capability

 
By partnering with us, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your business, enter the global supply chain and help build a stronger and more resilient nation.

You will be able to access state-of-the-art equipment to modernise your operations, as well as diversify your offering and enter new markets. 
 

Become a supplier

 
If you would like to build your business and our nation’s future, we invite you to partner with us. Download your guide to becoming a trusted supplier below. 
 
 
Here are the first 5 steps:
  1. Register with ICN.
  2. Pass the security checks.
  3. Check what certifications you need.
  4. Attend our events.
  5. Look for opportunities with our Original Equipment Manufacturers.
"We’ve been able to transfer the skills that we’ve learned - and the increased focus on discipline and attention to detail through working in the defence industry - to assist our customers. I can’t speak volumes enough to the support that BAE Systems have offered us to allow that to happen." — Todd Shipway, Commercial Director at B.L. Shipway
Meet our suppliers