Australian body armour manufacturer leading the charge for export success

Queensland-based Craig International Ballistics has marked another step towards export success by signing a joint venture agreement with the United Kingdom’s Cooneen Protection Limited.

The joint venture, Cooneen Craig Limited, is the result of strong collaboration between the two companies. Together, they are already participating in tender opportunities in New Zealand, France, Singapore, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

Cooneen Craig Limited intend to manufacture and sell composite ballistic protection to the United Kingdom, Europe and Middle East.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, witnessed the signing of the agreement at the Eurosatory defence and security international exhibition in Paris.

“This joint venture is a great example of the huge opportunities on offer for Australian businesses in the defence sector, and the strong and growing links that exist between the Australian and United Kingdom defence industries,” Minister Pyne said.

“With companies like Craig International Ballistics leading the charge for export success, the Australian sovereign defence industrial base we need will be more robust, more resilient and better able to meet Australia’s defence capability needs.”

Craig International Ballistics is a leading Australian manufacturer of combat-proven body armour systems, having supplied well over 100,000 soft armour inserts and hard ballistic plates to Defence and local police forces.

“Through the Defence Export Strategy and Australian Defence Export Office we are providing the confidence and support Australian business like Craig International Ballistics need to seize opportunities and pursue export success,” Minister Pyne said.

All defence exports will continue to be subject to approval according to Australia’s rigorous export control regulations.

The Australian Defence Export Office can assist internationally competitive Australian defence industry companies export their goods and services. For more information, visit: http://www.defence.gov.au/Export/Office/.