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Defence Industry Minister says G'day to the USA

12 Apr 2018 Media release

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, will travel to Washington DC from 12-13 April 2018 to attend and deliver the keynote address to the US-Australian Dialogue on Defence Industries.

The dialogue is part of the 2018 G’day USA program bringing together Australian and United States (US) industry leaders and experts, policy makers and senior business representatives to further develop collaboration on providing innovative capabilities.

During his visit to Washington DC, Minister Pyne will also meet with senior US government officials to highlight Australia’s innovative defence industry and promote opportunities for increased industry cooperation between Australia and the US. This includes discussions with the Deputy Secretary of Defence; Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics; and the Director of the Joint Strike Fighter Program.

“Australia is transforming its defence force and investing in the capabilities necessary to meet Australia’s future warfighting challenges. As part of this transformation, we are expanding our defence industry to be more innovative, competitive and sustainable,” Minister Pyne said.

For Australia, there is no more important bilateral defence relationship than the alliance with the United States.

“The 2018 US-Australian Dialogue on Defence Industries will build on the success of the previous four events in creating opportunities for Australia’s world class defence industry to explore future projects and areas of cooperation.

“The increased funding and support outlined in the Defence Export Strategy will support even more Australian businesses to achieve export success and contribute to the strength of this relationship.”

Minister Pyne’s visit will coincide with 18 Australian companies exhibiting at Sea Air Space 2018 in Maryland as part of Team Defence Australia. This is a record level of attendance for Sea Air Space and demonstrates the growing international presence of Australia’s defence industry.