Building on a strong and enduring partnership, the 2025 Australia-France Bilateral Armaments Committee convened in Canberra late last year.

Co-chaired by Head Joint Aviation Systems Division Major General Jeremy King and International Director, Directorate General of Armament, France, Lieutenant General Gaël Diaz de Tuesta, the committee reinforced the Australia-France commitment to the 2023 Bilateral Roadmap and included discussions to identify mutually beneficial defence industry and materiel opportunities.

“Australia and France are exploring initiatives to increase defence industry cooperation to support and deliver capabilities to our respective defence forces,” Major General King said.

“Through increased dialogue, strategic exchanges and information sharing, we aim to strengthen our mutual understanding and enhance cooperation in response to our shared strategic challenges.”

Having co-chaired since 2022, Major General King has officially stepped down from the committee role and has handed the baton of committee co-chair to Head of Air Defence and Space Systems Division Air Vice-Marshal David Scheul. 

Importantly, the committee provides an opportunity to advance cooperation on areas of key strategic importance. 

As part of the committee program, Lieutenant General Diaz de Tuesta joined committee members for a visit to Mount Stromlo for a capability demonstration. 

For more information on the Australia-France roadmap, visit Australia-France Roadmap – A New Agenda for Bilateral Cooperation | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade