We work with local companies to transform industry and give the Australian Defence Force the capability edge it needs. For more than 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.
In 2024, we supported almost 1,400 Australian companies and spent more than $837 million with them. Together are advancing innovation, contributing to economic growth and future-proofing our nation in line with Australian Defence Force's sovereign industry capability priorities.
Opportunities for Australian companies
Play a major role in helping keep Australia safe and build a more prosperous nation. As an approved supplier, you can help us contribute to major defence capability projects and sustainment activities. Our Global Access Program team can also 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.
E-learning designers
We invite experienced e‑learning designers and developers to submit an expression of interest to join a panel supporting the delivery of high‑quality digital learning across its defence and corporate operations. This opportunity is suited to providers with expertise in secure, accessible and interactive e‑learning who are interested in partnering with us.
The Hunter Class Frigate Program
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.
SSN-AUKUS
The SSN-AUKUS Build Program is one of the most significant industrial undertakings in Australia's history, and will deliver world-leading maritime capability, advanced manufacturing, industry growth, high paid, high skilled jobs, and infrastructure for decades to come.
Australian industry is invited and encouraged to express their interest in potential future opportunities to be part of the SSN-AUKUS Build Program via the ICN Gateway.
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.
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 LIF Training System in Australia.
Air Warfare Destroyers
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. 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.
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.
If you would like to build your business and our nation’s future, we invite you to partner with us. Here are the first five steps:
- Register with ICN.
- Pass the security checks.
- Check what certifications you need.
- Attend our events.
- 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
Navigating Defence Industry Handbook
This handbook has been developed alongside our Navigating Defence Series training and education program to support the development of Australia’s defence industry.
It is intended to be a resource for leaders of SMEs who are beginning their defence industry journey and would like to understand what is required, and what supports are available.
BAE Systems Australia