ABOUT IODS 2026
Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) 2026 Conference and Exhibition
26–28 May 2026 | Perth, Western Australia
IODS 2026 is a strategically focused international defence and security event designed to facilitate high-level engagement on shared regional challenges, capability development, and sovereign industry growth.
The three-day program features senior-level conferences and symposia, an international industry exhibition, delegation engagement, B2B networking, industry briefings, site visits, workforce development and careers programs.
Led by Defence West and anchored in Perth, the event reflects Western Australia's central role in shaping Australia’s strategic defence framework:
Western Australia: Defence Gateway to the Indo-Pacific
WA’s strategic geography and robust infrastructure make it the launch point for Australia’s regional engagement.
- HMAS Stirling: Australia’s largest naval base and home to major infrastructure investment under AUKUS Pillar I.
- Henderson precinct: A national hub for continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment, including future surface combatants.
- Collins Class Submarine sustainment: Supporting life-of-type extension and capability upgrades.
- Maritime logistics and operational readiness across the Indian Ocean region.
AUKUS Collaboration & Capability Integration
IODS 2026 is a national focal point for engagement on AUKUS Pillar I and Pillar II initiatives. Attendees will explore:
- The establishment of nuclear-powered submarine capability and supporting submarine industrial base in WA.
- The development of the Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West), including integration of allied personnel.
- Pathways for trilateral cooperation on advanced technologies, innovation, and supply chains under AUKUS Pillar II.
Sovereign Capability & Industry Growth
Western Australia is at the forefront of Australia’s sovereign industrial capability, with defence being the state’s fastest-growing sector. IODS 2026 offers direct pathways into emerging opportunities across priority defence programs and national supply chains including:
- Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise
- WA-based contributions to the Australian Army’s Littoral Manoeuvre Fleet.
- Industry growth tied to naval expansion programs, workforce development, and international supply chain access.
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International Engagement & Strategic Partnerships
IODS 2026 enables meaningful engagement with international stakeholders through official delegations, industry connection, and strategic forums. This includes:
- Collaboration with AUKUS partners and Indo-Pacific allies on defence program delivery.
- Expansion of multilateral industry-to-industry cooperation in support of programs such as SRF-West, GWEO and AUKUS Pillar II.
Future Workforce & Multi-Domain Innovation
The future of defence rests on a capable, skilled workforce and cutting-edge innovation. IODS 2026 will highlight:
- WA-led initiatives supporting workforce growth across defence industry, engineering, and emerging domains.
- Education and training pathways aligned with high-priority programs including nuclear-powered submarine sustainment, guided weapons, and multi-domain operations.
- Sovereign innovation though the Innovation Pitchfest and Awards, highlighting emerging technologies which aim to support and further Australian capability.
Community Engagement
As defence activities expand in Western Australia, building public trust and cross-sector relationships is essential. IODS 2026 acknowledges:
- The importance of community understanding and participation in supporting AUKUS efforts, including SRF-West.
- New forms of community between governments, industry, and international partners that enable successful delivery of strategic objectives.
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Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC)