The expertise, innovation and local partnerships driving Austal’s shipbuilding excellence – and its role in continuous naval shipbuilding in WA – will be on display at the upcoming Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition.

Austal is a platinum sponsor of IODS 2026, being held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre between 26 and 28 May 2026.

Highlighting Austal’s productive partnerships with SMEs, the Austal stand (2C50) will feature a simulation AROS Console created with Fremantle-based maritime AI and autonomy specialist Greenroom Robotics, which Austal signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with in 2024.

Visitors will experience how Austal’s AROS autonomy architecture and Greenroom Robotics’ GAMA software work together to enable safe and scalable autonomous maritime operations – in the case of the simulation, powering one of Austal’s Vantage-class Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels.

Also on display will be samples of cutting-edge 3D printing for shipbuilding and submarine sustainment produced by Austal USA and demonstrations of Digital SEA, a Digital Secure Exchange for Additive Manufacturing developed by Austal USA to strengthen the U.S. Navy’s submarine industrial base.

This system enables trusted, streamlined data sharing across the maritime industrial base, accelerating production, expanding supplier participation and enhancing fleet readiness.

Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Austal and Australia’s sovereign submarine partner ASC, the two organisations are collaborating on additive manufacturing technologies and workforce development.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening Australia’s sovereign naval capability.

Austal Executive Chairman, Hon Richard V. Spencer, will participate in an industry panel discussion on 26 May and Austal teams will host three unique presentations throughout the week that are open to all IODS 2026 attendees.

The sessions begin with Maritime Autonomy: What Does Operational Reality Look Like?, where a panel of experts will explore the practical realities of transitioning from crewed to optionally crewed vessels and the realisation of meaningful autonomous capability.

Second will be a discussion on Continuous Naval Shipbuilding in WA, including how Austal’s more than 30 years’ experience, skilled workforce and supply chains will support its delivery and the growth of sovereign capability in Western Australia.

And the Austal sustainment team will give a presentation on Enhancing Regional Sustainment Hubs to Support Allied Navies, with a focus on Austal’s work to align its facilities across the Indo Pacific Region to meet future requirements.

Tuesday, 26 May: 1200 – 1300

Hosted by Sam Abbott, Head of Research and Development at Austal with panellists from across industry.

Meeting Room 1, Level 2, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)

Maritime autonomy is no longer constrained by technology maturity, but by the challenge of safe, scalable integration into existing vessels, doctrine and operational systems. This session explores the practical realities of transitioning from crewed to optionally crewed vessels, and towards the realisation of operationally meaningful autonomous capability. Drawing on experience across the maritime and resources industries, the panel will examine how trust is built through predictable system behaviour, the systematic and incremental introduction of capability and integration architectures that prioritise interoperability over standalone technologies.

Wednesday, 27 May: 1000 – 1030 

Presented by Brent Carey, Head of Strategic Supply Chain at Austal.

Meeting Room 3, Level 2, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)

With the signing of the Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement and subsequent contracts for the Australian Army’s Landing Craft Medium and Heavy vessels, continuous naval shipbuilding will grow the sovereign capability both within the Henderson precinct and across the country. During this presentation we will discuss how our more than 30-year experience in shipbuilding is providing a critical foundation and highlight the key enablers that will support delivery of these programs.

  • Skilled and experienced workforce
  • Fit-for-purpose infrastructure
  • Industry partnerships and resilient supply chains
  • Security standards and culture
  • Innovation throughout the capability lifecycle

Wednesday, 27 May: 1100 – 1130

Presented by Thomas Hazel, BD Manager, and Ben Wardle, Executive General Manager within the Sustainment team at Austal.

Meeting Room 3, Level 2, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)

In this session we will highlight how Austal is seeking to address these challenges head-on, with an aim to position Australia as a key player in regional maritime support and foster stronger alliances. Together, we can transform potential challenges into opportunities for collaboration and growth.

As allied navies increasingly prioritise a sustained presence in the Indo-Pacific, the demand for reliable engineering support during deployments has never been more critical. While the current capabilities of our regional sustainment hubs have served us well, there is an opportunity to align these facilities with the anticipated growth in operational needs, particularly with the increasing number of forward-deployed NATO vessels, carrier strike groups, and amphibious forces. By adopting a proactive hub approach and investing in infrastructure, we can significantly enhance our capacity to support visiting navies. This strategic investment not only bolsters the Australian Defence Force (ADF) but also ensures robust sustainment and support options for allied vessels operating at extended ranges.

Austal leadership and representatives of its technology, sustainment, supply chain and recruitment teams will be at the Austal stand during the week.

Comments attributable to Austal CEO Paddy Gregg:

“Austal is proud to support and play such a significant role in IODS 2026.”

“Being a Perth-based event, it provides a welcome opportunity to highlight our role in continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and fruitful partnerships with WA businesses.”

“From the technology at the Austal stand, to the presentations given by subject experts from across our teams, IODS 2026 is a showcase of the innovation, performance and reliability that characterise Austal and its vessels.”

Media contact:

Cameron Morse, FTI Consulting
+61 433 886 871