The Department of Defence, Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and Australian defence industry under the banner of Team Australia promoted innovative Australian defence technology at Euronaval, Le Bourget, Paris on 23 to 27 October 2006.

Euronaval is the largest maritime exhibition in Europe attracting about 28,000 delegates from 56 countries including top level government representatives.

DMO Director Industry Capability Generation, Al Uzubalis said the event provided a valuable opportunity for Australia ’s major maritime companies including Tenix, Austal, CEA and Saab Systems to promote their products.

‘Small to medium enterprises such as Sea Gyro were also represented and Maritime Australia was actively promoting Pacific 2008, Australia ’s maritime exhibition, to be held in Darling Harbour , Sydney ,’ Mr Uzubalis said.

‘Australian products on display attracted considerable attention. Particular interest was shown in the Tenix Protector Class Offshore Patrol Vessel and the double hull Auxiliary Oil Replenishment Vessel conversion; Austal’s Trimaran Littoral Combat Ship and Multirole Corvette designs; and an Armidale Class Patrol boat model.

‘CEA and Saab, as well as promoting their individual products, cooperated in displaying the capabilities of their joint advanced air warfare system and Sea Gyro had a working model displaying its ship stabilisation system.

‘DMO Head of Maritime Systems Division, Rear Admiral Trevor Ruting, as the military leader of Team Australia at Euronaval, actively promoted Australian defence products through meetings with foreign governments and companies. His profile added to the Australian presence at Euronaval and his knowledge of Australian maritime systems provided an authoritative reference for the Australian companies.

‘Team Australia was also well supported by the Australian Defence Attaché in Paris, Captain Wayne Haynes Royal Australian Navy and his staff.

‘A number of international delegations visited the Team Australia stand across the four and a half days of the show. Senior delegations included those from the United States, Sweden, India, Germany, Philippines, Russia, Norway, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

‘The level of interest was encouraging and the Australian companies have indicated that they will be pursing follow-up discussions.

‘The Minster Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mr Bruce Billson, visited the Team Australia stand on Tuesday 24 October, adding to the significance of the Australian presence. He was accompanied by the Australian Ambassador in Paris, Ms Penelope Wensley AO.

‘Mr Billson spoke extensively with the Australian exhibitors with many commenting later on the Minister’s enthusiasm for Australian industry and his approachability.

‘As a sign of the developing relationship that Australia has with France the French Defence Minister Madame Michele Alliot–Marie visited the Team Australia stand on Wednesday 24 October. Rear Admiral Trevor Ruting spoke with her, highlighting the Australian defence capabilities on display,’ Mr Uzubalis said.