NEWS - ARTICLE

The Indian Ocean Defence & Security (IODS) Conference and Exhibition returns to Perth from 26–28 May 2026, as a pivotal platform for powering strategic partnerships and advancing Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

As the Indo-Pacific continues to emerge as a focal point for regional security and strategic collaboration, IODS 2026 will bring together senior leaders from government, defence, industry, and academia for a world-class forum to address evolving challenges and opportunities across the defence and security landscape.

This strategically focused event will highlight Western Australia’s critical role as a national and regional defence enabler and showcase its growing contributions to sovereign capability, industry innovation, and international collaboration.

Why Western Australia?

Western Australia stands at the centre of Australia's defence future. As the home of HMAS Stirling — the nation's largest naval base and the designated hub for the AUKUS Pillar I nuclear-powered submarine program — WA is a key location for strategic investment, capability development, and workforce expansion.

WA’s defence industry is also the fastest growing sector in the state, underpinned by robust infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and a clear mandate to support national defence priorities. From the Collins Class submarine sustainment program to the future of continuous naval shipbuilding at Henderson, Western Australia is playing a pivotal role in shaping defence outcomes across all domains — maritime, land, air, space and cyber.

What to Expect at IODS 2026

Building on the success of previous editions, IODS 2026 will feature an expanded program that reflects the scope and ambition of Australia’s 2024 National Defence Strategy.

The three-day event will include:

• IODS Conference: High-level plenary sessions and themed forums focused on regional security, industrial capability, Submarine Rotational Force – West readiness, and unlocking critical minerals to support AUKUS Pillar II.
• World-class Industry Exhibition: A showcase of local, national, and international defence industry capability with representation from prime contractors, SMEs, innovators, and government stakeholders.
• Symposia, Presentations and Briefings: Updates on key programs including AUKUS Pillar I and II, Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise, and multi-domain opportunities
• B2B and Government-to-Industry Engagement: Facilitated networking and targeted business meetings to foster collaboration across Australia’s defence ecosystem and beyond.
• Innovation Pitchfest and Awards: Spotlighting Australian innovation, this program will connect emerging technology developers with Defence, primes, and investors.
• Careers & Workforce Development: A dedicated Careers program to support skills development and highlight pathways into defence industry careers, including veteran employment and education partnerships.

A Platform for Strategic Opportunity

Anchored by Defence West, IODS 2026 spotlights Western Australia’s strategic location and industrial strength, opening direct pathways into the defence programs shaping Australia’s future.

Attendees will engage with key decision-makers and global partners, while WA organisations can showcase capabilities and connect to national and international supply chains.

Join Us in Perth

Whether you're an established player in the defence sector, a small business looking to break into supply chains, an innovator developing next-generation technology, or a policymaker helping shape Australia’s strategic direction — IODS 2026 is where the conversation begins.

Save the date — 26–28 May 2026. Perth, Western Australia.

For more information: Join the IODS mailing list