MELBOURNE — Australia announced the Defence Industry Development Strategy (DIDS) and a contract with Anduril Australia for the Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicle on September 10, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy made the announcements at Fleet Base East in Sydney. The DIDS is the third top-level Australian defence document released in 2025, following the National Defence Strategy and the Integrated Investment Plan, both released in April 2025.

The strategy includes an additional $80 million Australian dollars in funding for small- and medium-sized businesses developing defence-related capabilities through 2030 via the Defence Industry Development Grants Program. This brings the total investment in the program to $250 million Australian dollars. The strategy also reforms and relaunches a $3 billion Australian dollar fund established in 2018 to support the defence industry in securing overseas contracts. The Australian Department of Defence stated the fund has been underutilised since its establishment. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy stated, "The case for a strong Australian sovereign defence industrial base has never be clearer." He added, "We must ensure Australia can manufacture, sustain and scale the capabilities the Australian Defence Force needs, when and where they are required."

The DIDS designates the Anduril Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicle as a priority export capability for the Australian Defence Strategic Sales Office. Additionally, the strategy mandates that defence prime contractors commit to growing the defence industry workforce within Australia, with a focus on apprenticeships. Australia also established the Defence Delivery Group on September 10, 2025. This group is tasked with providing independent, evidence-based advice to the Government on the delivery of defence projects. The group is scheduled to become the Defence Delivery Agency within one year, which will consolidate the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group, and the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated, "We are rebuilding a defence capability system that is disciplined, accountable and focused on outcomes." He added, "This is what Australia's security environment demands, and what the Australian people expect."

These initiatives comprise measures aimed at strengthening Australia's defence industrial base and project delivery mechanisms. The financial commitments include $250 million for small- and medium-sized businesses and the reform of a $3 billion fund for export contracts. The designation of the Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicle as a priority export reflects a focus on advanced capabilities. The establishment of the Defence Delivery Group, intended to evolve into the Defence Delivery Agency, aims to streamline and enhance oversight of defence projects. These developments align with earlier strategic defence documents released in 2025.