The Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions have a long and proud history of delivering innovative technology, advanced manufacturing, and critical services to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and global defence industries. Today, this region is home to a highly skilled workforce, leading-edge research at the University of Wollongong, and world-class manufacturing and engineering capabilities that continue to support sovereign defence projects.

Illawarra’s steel manufacturing legacy remains a cornerstone of national defence capability. Port Kembla has long been a hub for specialty steels, including rated ballistic plates and aircraft-grade materials, supporting key defence assets such as Collins-class submarines, Adelaide-class frigates, and Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyers. From the invention and production of the Owen submachine gun in the 1940s to modern advancements in high-performance steel, the region has played a vital role in Australia’s defence innovation.

Today, across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, local businesses and industry leaders continue to drive defence capability through engineering excellence, maintenance and sustainment services, supply chain solutions, joint development initiatives, and cutting-edge research. The region’s commitment to defence resilience and innovation ensures it remains a strategic partner in strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability.

A diverse range of defence ready capabilities

Illawarra Shoalhaven is home to many large and established companies, some who have serviced the defence industry for decades. These include:

ADROITA
Bisalloy Steels
Koenig
Soto Consulting Engineers
Scarp Vantage Consulting
Snare Fabrications
WGE Group
BPS Defence
SMETEC
Arrow Electrical Services
Arex
BlueScope
DCL Engineering
GHD
Alkath Group

Illawarra Shoalhaven's advantages in defence

Illawarra Shoalhaven companies offer a wide range of capabilities to the defence industry, including:

  • Military-grade communications systems.
  • Armoured steel plate.
  • High-end welding and engineering.
  • Engineered plastics and polyurethane.
  • Electrical isolators and enclosures.
  • Specialist protective coatings.
  • Base safety systems.
  • Ruggedised medical computing devices.
  • Specialist labour services
  • Project management services.

Invest Wollongong

Invest Wollongong is a partnership between Wollongong City Council, the NSW Government and the University of Wollongong. We work together to assist businesses and investors interested in Wollongong.

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Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Defence Network

The Shoalhaven & Defence Industry Group (SD&IG) is an alliance between the local defence industry, Shoalhaven City Council, the NSW Government and the Shoalhaven Business Chamber. SD&IG promotes and supports the defence industry capabilities of the Shoalhaven to attract business, investment and jobs.

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