The Defence and Industry Study Course is designed to adopt meaningful collaboration and strategic partnerships between Defence and industry, and help shape Australia’s defence capability and national security. The program creates a dynamic platform for building enduring relationships, exchanging ideas, and aligning efforts to deliver and sustain capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

This is a high-value opportunity for executives and senior leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of Defence-industry collaboration, broaden their strategic networks, and contribute to Australia's sovereign capability.

Audience

This program is tailored for experienced professionals who play a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s defence capability and innovation landscape. Ideal participants include, but are not limited to:

• Industry leaders, project managers, and specialists working in or planning to engage with Defence-related projects or supply chains.
• ADF personnel, Lieutenant-Colonel to Colonel equivalent and Defence public servants Executive Level 1 to Executive Level 2, seeking to broaden their strategic networks and deepen cross-sector understanding.
• Executives from Federal, State, and Territory government agencies involved in national security, procurement, or policy development.
• Academics and researchers driving innovation, technology readiness, or strategic analysis in defence and security domains.

Program highlights

The program highlights for participants include:

• Collaborative site visits to Defence bases and industry facilities.
• Engagement with senior leaders across Defence, Government, and industry.
• Interactive syndicate work focused on real-world challenges.
• Networking opportunities designed to build long-term professional relationships.
• Exposure to operational environments and military platform.

Syndicate work

Throughout the program, participants will work in cross-sector syndicates to explore a strategic challenge relevant to Defence and industry. Each group will co-develop insights, share expertise, and shape practical recommendations under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

The collaboration culminates in a high-impact presentation to senior leaders, followed by a jointly authored paper (3,000–3,500 words) that captures the group’s findings and proposed solutions.

These projects are designed to foster deep engagement, build trust across sectors, and generate actionable outcomes that reflect the collective strengths of Defence and industry.

Course inclusions and commitment

The course fee is all-inclusive, covering every aspect of each module from the moment participants arrive at the designated departure airport until their return. The course fee covers accommodation, meals, venue access, and all transport throughout the module.

Participants are expected to commit to:

• attending all 4 modules in full, ensuring a cohesive and impactful experience.
• travelling on the Sunday prior to commencement of each module.
• being available for daily activities running from 7:00 am to approximately 9:30 pm, with a full schedule of engagement, networking and collaboration.

Enrolment

The online application form is only provided for non-Defence employees.

Prior to lodging an application, please note the following:

• Nominations are open to Australian citizens only.
• Nominees must receive endorsement from their employer and acknowledge this in their application.
• Nominations will be considered by a selection panel

Submit an application form by 5 pm AEDT on Tuesday 24 March 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Nominations for Defence employees will also be sought in March 2026 via internal communication channels.