US mission amplifies AUKUS gains for WA defence

The WA Government recently finished a global mission to expand opportunities for the state’s defence industry and demonstrate its role in strengthening the AUKUS alliance, particularly in maritime technology, cyber security, unmanned systems, and space.

Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia led the charge and went on a visit to the United States of America, where he engaged in high-level discussions with officials at prominent institutions such as the White House, Pentagon, and Congress.

He also seized the opportunity to tour Huntington Ingalls Industries, the largest military shipbuilding company in the US, and explore the renowned Pearl Harbour shipyard.

Minister Papalia utilised the trip to underscore WA’s strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting its role as a key maritime operations and surveillance hub.

Accompanied by a delegation of WA defence industry representatives, Minister Papalia spearheaded efforts to promote the State’s defence industry on the global stage.

Their initiatives culminated in a notable presence at Sea Air Space 2024, the largest maritime exposition in the United States.

Throughout his visit, Minister Papalia engaged in productive discussions with major US defence industry players involved in AUKUS-related activities.

Key meetings included sessions with Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher at the White House, Madeline Mortelmans at the Pentagon, and Senator Jack Reed, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“The US mission was a unique opportunity for WA’s defence industry to be able to interact with key AUKUS stakeholders firsthand and establish relationships which will no doubt prove fruitful in the future,” the minister affirmed.

In a bid to enhance connectivity between Western Australia and the United States, Minister Papalia also met with Hawaiian Airlines to discuss the possibility of establishing a direct flight route between Perth and Honolulu.

Presenting a letter of intent to the island state’s largest commercial airline, Minister Papalia articulated Western Australia’s keen interest in securing a non-stop service in the future.

The USA stands as WA’s sixth largest international visitor market, yet it lacks a non-stop service to the region.

With the anticipated influx of visitors following the historic AUKUS defence alliance, which is slated to see thousands of Americans, including 700 US Navy personnel, relocate to Western Australia in 2027, the need for enhanced connectivity becomes even more pronounced.