The Defence Industry Context.

The Australian Defence Industry is central to supporting the Australian Defence Force (ADF) by delivering essential equipment, technology, infrastructure, and through-life support. Defence funding is set to rise to $764.6 billion over the next decade, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to a more capable, sovereign, and self-reliant Defence Force.

In the maritime sector, the 2024 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program outlined an unprecedented investment of up to $159 billion over the next decade in continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment.  This investment highlights that Australia’s industrial, workforce, and infrastructure capabilities are critical national assets, underpinning sovereign capability.

Archer’s Defence background, both in Australia and internationally, positions us to support this national capability uplift through workforce strategies that address immediate requirements while preparing for future challenges.

The Defence Industry can be broadly categorised into three groups:

  1. Prime Contractors – multinational organisations delivering large-scale Defence contracts (e.g. BAE Systems, Boeing, Thales, Lockheed Martin, ASC, Hanwha, Navantia, Raytheon, Saab, Northrop Grumman, Rheinmetall, and others).

  2. Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) – specialist firms providing services and technology to primes and directly to Defence.

  3. Support Businesses – companies delivering essential services such as logistics, infrastructure, construction, and garrison support.

With bipartisan support for the AUKUS initiative and the acceptance of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, the ADF and Defence Industry are undergoing the most transformative changes since World War II.

Waves of water washing over a concrete pier with a cylindrical post standing upright in the water. Looks like a submarine.

The Workforce Challenge.

A highly skilled and experienced workforce is fundamental to delivering and sustaining Defence capability. Workforce spans the ADF, the Australian Public Service, and Defence Industry.

The current demand for naval shipbuilding and sustainment talent presents a strategic risk that if not addressed, workforce shortfalls could delay or compromise critical Defence projects. Developing and retaining domestic capability is therefore essential.

Archer collaborates with Government, Defence Primes, SMEs, and Academia to:

  • Anticipate demand across key workforce segments.

  • Ensure training pathways align with capability needs.

  • Provide access to appropriately skilled and security-cleared personnel.

  • Build strategies that secure capability not just today, but for decades to come.