South Australia’s aerospace and systems expertise has been showcased to the world at the Avalon Airshow this week.

The Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith said Avalon is the largest aviation aerospace and defence exposition in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring 600 exhibitors from around the world, including 80 overseas delegations of senior military, government, scientific and Defence leaders.

“20 South Australian companies showcased their best aerospace and systems industry, supported by Defence SA and the Defence Teaming Centre,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“Aerospace and systems is a key pillar of our South Australia Defence Strategy 2025.

“South Australia has a strong aerospace heritage. We’ve been home to Air Force’s P3 Orion fleet for over 40 years, and we’re gearing up to support the future P-8A Poseidon and Triton fleets, which will be based at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

“Securing these fleets is a big win for South Australia, providing significant long-term opportunities for local industry.

“Some $300 million will be spent in infrastructure and facility upgrades at the base to house the P-8A aircraft, systems and crews. The first aircraft will be delivered to its Edinburgh home in 2017, with the full fleet of eight aircraft operational by 2021.”

Mr Hamilton-Smith met with senior Defence and industry leaders during his visit to the Airshow, and launched the Australian Aerospace Alliance on the global stage.

A collaborative project between the Defence Teaming Centre, industry and the South Australian Government, the Alliance is focused on capturing work from global defence and commercial aerospace giants.

“We are working hard to increase local industry involvement in global supply chains, building on the success of local companies like BAE Systems Australia, Rosebank Engineering Australia and Levett Engineering who supply into the global Joint Strike Fighter program,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

Alliance member Cobham has enjoyed great success winning a major new contract. From its Adelaide headquarters, Cobham have been supporting the world’s largest aerial civil maritime surveillance operation for Australian Customs and Border Protection since 1995, and recently secured a $640 million contract to provide airborne search and rescue over Australia’s maritime jurisdiction for 12 years from 2016.