21 August 2025
Building on a strong and enduring partnership, the second Republic of Korea-Australia (ROK-AUS) Defence Industry Conference in Canberra on August 13 included discussions on security strategy, advanced technologies and defence capabilities.
Head Land Systems Division Major General Jason Blain recognised in his opening address the significance of the ROK-AUS Defence Conference and the parallels our nations share in today’s strategic environment.
“Both our nations are actively strengthening industry collaboration under the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR),” Major General Blain said.
“The aim is to accelerate Indo-Pacific contributions to the resilience of our global defence industrial base. Simultaneously, Australia seeks to enhance our maritime security capabilities and co-operation with like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific.
“Our nation looks forward to continuing this engagement and developing tangible outcomes and, as such, we are eager to facilitate and develop the partnership between our two great nations.”
Michael Howell, First Assistant Secretary, Industry Engagement Division, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, said the conference provided a valuable platform to further strengthen ties with Australia’s defence partners – to sustain defence capabilities and build industrial capacity.
'Close industrial collaboration between trusted international partners supports effective use of our combined resources.'
“The Australian Defence Force has an inherent international element,” Mr Howell said.
“Not only in recognition of our important strategic role in the region, but also in consideration of the global supply chains that equip and sustain our defence force.
“Australia and the ROK, like all of our global partners, face a similar challenge; navigating a new strategic environment under increased pressures.
“Close industrial collaboration between trusted international partners supports effective use of our combined resources – strengthening collective defence industrial capacity, enhancing interoperability and accelerating technology development.
“Australia and the ROK are both leaders within PIPIR. As leaders, we are able to drive work streams which will lead not only to the delivery of crucial capability to the region, but also create a more integrated regional industrial base.
“The conference has been informative and productive. I am immensely grateful and proud of what we have been able to achieve.”
