Hunter Defence represents over 100 companies in the Hunter Region competing for prime and supply chain contracts
Our alignment with primes and government and our network of partners presents significant opportunities to contribute to the ongoing support of this nation’s Defence objectives. If your company or enterprise is looking to enter, or expand into, defence and defence adjacent projects, Hunter Defence is here to assist you in identifying the right opportunity.
Cyber capability
Based in the Hunter region, GuardWare Australia is an Australian startup collaboration between e-Safe SystemsTM Australia and the Goal Group.
GuardWare Intel and Products
GuardWareTM products enable SMEs to simply and affordably govern all data with their business. Defence Primes and IP owners can distribute data throughout their supply chain while retaining complete oversight and ongoing control, with the ability to retract access at any time. GuardWare Intel for SMEs is delivering value to over one million users.
Maritime Capability
A group of Hunter-based businesses including Goal Group, Advitech, and Power Control Engineering are helping build the Maritime capability of the Hunter’s defence industrial base.
Australian Navy Maritime Engineering and Capability Transition Studies
Goal Group, through multiple Maritime Program Offices, have collaborated with a view to supplying resources to various maritime undertakings, particularly the Destroyer Capability Enhancement Program, SEA 4000, SEA 2200, JP 2048, SEA 1770 and SEA 3030 PH2.
Air Capability
A manufacturer of precision-machined parts and components, as an AS9100 certified company Nupress reduced scrap rates and alleviated delivery constraints in the F35 global supply chain through its first class approach to complex parts.
Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis
In response to these quality concerns Nupress applied PFMEA and machining in an environmentally controlled environment to develop a process that ensured reliability and repeatability in the manufacture and machining of aluminium braised chassis. As a result, chassis scrap rate was reduced to less than 3%, and 24-hour manufacturing was achieved to allow consistent delivery of parts.
Air Capability
R&R Murphy designed and developed a series of bespoke lifting and rotating solutions for BAE Systems Australia including:
The RAAF Confined Space Training Rig Platform
For carrying out training for confined space entry to F-35 fighter jet fuselage. Developed in conjunction with the RAAF, designed and purpose-built by R&R Murphy.
BAE Systems CBLS Work Stand
Designed by R&R Murphy with BAE, purpose-built for the multi-position requirements for the maintenance of the under-fuselage pan on the Hawk training jets.
Boeing Defence F18 Storage Racks
Designed and purpose-built for the storage of certain wing components during maintenance for the F18 program.
Land Capability
Through connections facilitated by Hunter Defence, Hunter-based business Varley Group has developed the first type of maintenance gantries for the Boeing 737 P8 maritime control aircraft and the Deployable Secure Mission Planning Facility for Lockheed Martin.
The Varley Deployable Secure Facility
A ruggedised expandable shelter designed to provide a secure and environmentally protected workspace, chosen by Lockheed Martin Australia as the product of choice for the deployment of ICT equipment to support the secure operation and through-life-support of the Australian fleet of JSF F-35 aircraft, and off-board mission planning activities to support the deployment of fifth-generation aircraft platforms.
The P8 Maintenance Docking System
Specifically designed and built by Varley to facilitate scheduled deeper maintenance activities on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, comprising fixed and mobile access and work platforms providing 240V AC and 32V DC power and lighting, compressed and breathing air, air conditioning and fuel tank ventilation ducting, and integrated fall arrest and fall prevention.
Learn more about how Hunter companies have assisted in the mobilisation of Australia’s defence and deployment capabilities with insights into the following Hunter Defence-supported initiatives and projects.
Join the Hunter Defence Capability Directory and leverage the support of like-minded enterprises.
The latest intelligence on events, announcements, trends and developments in the Hunter Region and in Australia’s defence industry.
Applications are now open for the 2026 DINAMIC Commercialisation Bootcamps, a two-day program supporting researchers and innovators to engage with the defence sector.
Delivered in Adelaide, Canberra and online, the bootcamps are designed for participants with limited commercialisation experience who are developing a product or service for defence applications. The program focuses on engagement with the defence market, development of a value proposition, and consideration of pathways to market.
The Hunter Defence Conference attracts over 280+ delegates and keynote speakers from the defence sector nationally. It is unique within regional Australia and key to promoting regional defence industry capability – presenting a strong and unified voice that is heard throughout NSW industry, the NSW Government, nationally, and importantly, by Federal Government representatives.
Innovators across Australia’s defence ecosystem are invited to put their ideas forward, with submissions now open for the Land Forces 2026 Innovation Showcase.
Held as part of the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, the Innovation Showcase including the Innovation Pitchfest and Awards provides a national platform for both research projects and commercial innovations. It is an opportunity to present leading-edge ideas to an audience of potential partners, investors and customers, while competing for significant cash prizes.
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