The Indian Ocean Defence and Security (IODS) Conference brought together international military delegations, Defence industry representatives and academics to discuss the growing importance of the Indian Ocean.

The three-day conference and exhibition, held in Perth from May 26 to 28, was led by Defence West and highlighted Western Australia’s increasing role in shaping Australia’s strategic defence posture. 

The program combined senior-level discussions, industry engagement and workforce initiatives, providing a platform for capability development, sovereign industry growth and deeper regional cooperation.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said IODS reflected the geostrategic importance of Perth and its position on the Indian Ocean.

“We are really on the fulcrum of the Indo-Pacific right here. It is, of course, why so much of that Australian Defence Force footprint is here in Western Australia,” Mr Marles said.

“The importance of this part of the nation, of this part of the continent, to the defence of Australia is absolutely essential, and that is why I think IODS has gone from strength to strength.”

At the centre of the conference was a shared understanding that the Indo-Pacific is becoming more complex, contested and strategically significant.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond described a fundamental shift in the region’s security environment.

“What that means for an island trading nation, a population of more than 27 million people, is that we have to be stronger as a nation, not just a Defence Force,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“We need to invest in stronger, deeper, more meaningful relationships and partnerships, because in an uncertain world we find comfort in diplomatic outcomes, we find comfort in sailing, particularly as a Navy with our allies and partners.

“The Royal Australian Navy is certainly at its best when it’s in company with the United States Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.”

'We need to invest in stronger, deeper, more meaningful relationships and partnerships.'

Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet Admiral Stephen Koehler emphasised the scale and importance of cooperation across the region.

“Seven of the 10 largest militaries are in this region, 60 per cent of global GDP is here, and 50 per cent of the world’s population,” Admiral Koehler said.

“We can’t, and don’t want to, do it alone. We’re blessed to have these like-minded allies.”

Vice Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Admiral Yasuhiro Kunimi underscored the critical role of maritime security in supporting global trade.

“About 80 per cent of global trade – and for Japan, about 99 per cent – relies on maritime transport,” Vice Admiral Kunimi said.

“Risks surrounding sea lanes have become more complex and increasingly visible.

“More practical and effective approaches of international cooperation beyond traditional frameworks are indispensable.”

A consistent theme throughout the conference was the importance of international cooperation, particularly through shared capability development and closer Defence industry collaboration.

For Australia, this includes expanding surface combatant capability, transitioning to nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS framework and accelerating the development of autonomous systems.

“It’s diplomacy and deterrence first – ready to defend always,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

Hosting the conference in Perth reflected Western Australia’s growing importance to Australia’s defence posture, particularly as investment continues in key infrastructure such as HMAS Stirling and the Henderson Defence precinct.

“Western Australia has been central to defence planning for decades,” Vice Admiral Hammond said.

“Our ships are more lethal and more reliable when Defence industry is strong and working in partnership with us.”