Defence
Australia is spending more on defence, and spending it differently.
The National Defence Strategy is reshaping investment priorities, with a focus on AUKUS, sovereign capability, defence infrastructure and advanced military systems.
At the same time, new technology is changing how defence contractors develop and deliver that capability, raising complex legal questions across intellectual property, product liability, public-private partnerships, investment and M&A.
Organisations need advisers who understand the commercial, regulatory and strategic challenges of operating in one of Australia's most critical industries.
How we can help
We have acted on the nation's largest defence projects, including lead roles for contractors on Australia’s most significant naval programs, both submarine and surface.
We advise contractors, suppliers and investors on everything from market entry to dispute resolution. Our expertise includes:
- defence contracting, government procurement and tender processes;
- M&A and strategic investments;
- major projects, program delivery and operations;
- foreign investment, national security approvals and export control;
- intellectual property;
- commercial contracting and supply chain;
- real estate and project development;
- planning and environment;
- cybersecurity, data and critical infrastructure;
- employment, workforce and training matters; and
- dispute resolution.
Defence technology
Technology is one of the fastest-growing segments of Australian defence. We advise companies and investors operating across AI and autonomy, cyber, software, space and advanced manufacturing.
We act for clients at all stages of growth, from early-stage companies and scale-ups raising capital to established contractors and investors.
Experience
We have a long history of advising defence contractors including:
- emerging companies driving critical innovation;
- large United States prime contractors in the Australian market, including Northrop Grumman and Raytheon; and
- large European prime contractors (both on and off program), including BAE Systems, Rheinmetall, Navantia and Naval Group.
ASC
Advising ASC on its collaboration with BAE in respect of the SSN-AUKUS submarines.
Hunter class frigates
Advised BAE Systems on its involvement in the Commonwealth's $35 billion Hunter Class Frigate Program for the Royal Australian Navy.
Sale of ASC Shipbuilding
Advised BAE Systems on the transfer of ASC Shipbuilding to BAE Systems Australia.
Attack Class Submarine Program
Advised Naval Group on all aspects of its agreements, as prime contractor, for the $80 billion Attack Class Submarine Program (the precursor to the SSN AUKUS program), which was then Australia’s largest-ever defence program.
UK-based defence technology company
Advising a UK-based defence technology company on its entry into the Asia-Pacific defence market.
Combat reconnaissance vehicles
Advising Rheinmetall Defence Australia on the $10 billion contract for Land 400 Phase 2, the procurement of combat reconnaissance vehicles.
Entry into Australia
Advising US headquartered defence technology company on its entry into Australia.
Acquisition of M5 Network Security
Advised Northrop Grumman on its acquisition of the defence cybersecurity provider.
Acquisition of Qantas Defence Services
Advised Northrop Grumman on its acquisition of Qantas Defence Services, which provides support and maintenance for customers including the Royal Australian Air Force.
Sale of CEA Technologies
Advised Northrop Grumman on its sale of CEA Technologies, Australia’s leading military radar and communications systems manufacturer, to the Commonwealth.
Acquisition of Boeing's Naval Systems Division and contracts for Collins Class submarines
Advised Raytheon on its acquisition of Boeing's Naval Systems Division and the associated contracts for Collins class subs. This involved negotiating all aspects of the transfer of this main contract from BAE to Raytheon.