US aerospace firm Sierra Nevada launches in Australia

Its Australian subsidiary is expected to focus on delivering technologies including electronic warfare architecture, digital radio frequency, and unmanned platforms and sensors.

“We are excited to expand SNC’s global footprint to South Australia with the launch of SNC AUS,” according to SNC senior vice president of business development, Stu Wildman.

“This strategic addition to our portfolio of companies is a critical and natural step as we focus on providing innovative, life-saving technology to AUKUS partners via Australia-built solutions.

“Our local presence at Lot Fourteen, co-located with many other aerospace and defence leaders, will help drive innovation and collaboration.

“This location was selected specifically for our expansion in Australia because of its business-friendly environment, access to a highly skilled workforce, and opportunity to augment Australia’s growing Industrial Base.

“Furthermore, the seamless partnership and synergy between SNC AUS, SNC UK and SNC US will unlock previously untapped opportunities and foster the development of new, innovative products in support of the Australian Defence Force and across borders.”

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The SA government has reportedly made repeated engagement attempts to bring SNC to the state and further solidify SA’s position at the forefront of the nation’s defence industry.

In 2023, the SA government’s US trade office began working with SNC, which employs around 4,000 people globally, to explore opportunities to stimulate economic growth in South Australia and play a pivotal role in the AUKUS agreement.

In addition, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas reportedly advocated the strength of the South Australian defence ecosystem when he met with SNC during a defence-focused trade mission to the US in May this year, before Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs met with the company in September.

“South Australia is cementing its reputation as the Defence State, with yet another global defence company expanding its footprint in Adelaide,” according to SA Treasurer Stephen Mullighan.

“Securing SNC’s presence at Lot Fourteen is a coup for South Australia, on the back of BAE Systems announcing it will be basing its head office at the North Terrace innovation district.”

SNC AUS will co-locate with world-leading organisations including the Australian Space Agency, SmartSat CRC, Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre, the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, Stone & Chalk and Amazon Web Services at Lot Fourteen.

“We’re thrilled to welcome SNC to South Australia, a highly regarded addition to Lot Fourteen and our connected and coordinated defence and space ecosystem,” according to Minister Szakacs.

“South Australia offers global companies such as SNC world-class research institutions, an enterprising and innovative business community and a highly skilled workforce, which builds on our proud history of delivering some of the nation’s largest and most complex defence projects.

“Home to seven of the world’s top 10 defence companies, South Australia’s capability spans the land, maritime, air, space and cyber domains across the state’s network of world-class innovation places.”