Posted by Defence Teaming Centre on
The Avalon 2023 Australian International Air Show Aerospace and Defence Exposition was held at Avalon last week, 28 February to 5 March 2023, after a three-year hiatus due to Covid.
Attracting approximately 48,000 attendees from over 25 countries, the trade show was a buzz of activity as businesses connected with one another and showcased their new products and services to industry.
Tim Dore, Director Member Services at the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC) said the South Australia The Defence State stand was very well represented and drew a lot of attention from international delegations and other interstate companies.
“The DTC publishes a capability catalogue for each trade show to showcase the capabilities of our members and companies on The Defence State stand,” Mr Dore said.
“In January this year I was in contact with a number of international delegates who were coming to Avalon and the DTC sent them advanced electronic copies of our Avalon Capability Catalogue. They were impressed with what South Australian companies have to offer and the DTC arranged for them to come visit the stand and meet with companies they were interested in collaborating with.
“I know a number of the companies on the stand, and other DTC members who were at Avalon, have meetings arranged in the coming weeks to discuss future business opportunities.”
With a record of 54 defence and space companies on The Defence State stand, and a further 32 DTC members with stands at Avalon the eco-system of DTC members was in full display and reinforced the capabilities Australia’s defence industry has to offer to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the global market.
“The most pleasing thing has been a sense of optimism from industry and the desire to engage,” Justin Giddings, CEO of Avalon 2023 organiser AMDA Foundation said.
“Avalon was created to be a meeting hub, a catalyst for the sort of engagement that creates partnerships and ideas. This week felt like industry has direction and opportunities to pursue, that Australian companies are starting to feel like it is worth stepping forward and investing in capability.”
With ‘Air’ being the flavour of the week announcements on new drones, helicopters, AI Systems, and telecommunication capabilities were a common occurrence throughout the trade show.
BAE Systems Australia had more than 100 people attend the launch of STRIX, Australia’s first domestically designed, manufactured and armed Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS). While Boeing announced that for the first time they will be using local SMEs to supply parts for their Australian fleet of Apaches. DTC members Mincham and Axiom Precision Manufacturing were two of the four Australian businesses selected to supply wire harnesses, electrical panels, vertical spar box, machined parts, fairings and composites.
We also saw collaboration between SA business at its best showcased with the rocket from Southern Launch, Areobond and Starke-AMG all working together to produce a world class system and highlighting the capability of our Defence Industry.
Topping the week off for industry was the spectacular air show held on the Friday night where the Australian Defence Force, along with the United States Air Force, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the Republic of Korea Air Force, and the Pacific Air Forces, showcased some of the capabilities of their aircrafts and the skills of their pilots in astounding aerobatic displays.
