Australian Minister for Defence Industry, Christopher Pyne, shakes hands with UK Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, in London. Photo: AAP

The Dialogue is an important platform to discuss deeper defence industry collaboration and ways in which Australia and the United Kingdom can collectively enhance defence capability.

As part of the Dialogue, Minister Pyne will meet with United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP and the United Kingdom Minister for Defence Procurement, Mr Guto Bebb MP.

Minister Pyne said the visit would be an important opportunity soon after the announcement of BAE Systems as the successful tenderer for the Hunter class Frigates  to promote the Australian defence industry agenda and identify further areas for cooperation with the United Kingdom.

“Australia’s relationship with the United Kingdom has always been one of our strongest. This relationship is grounded by substantial bilateral defence engagement and shared contribution to global security challenges,” Minister Pyne said.

““The Australian defence industry agenda is a new and rapidly expanding dimension of our relationship with the United Kingdom, more so following the recent decision by the Turnbull Government to select BAE Systems to design Australia’s nine Future Frigates to be built by ASC in South Australia.

“This decision represents a significant milestone in a new and rapidly expanding dimension of our relationship with the United Kingdom.

“I look forward to meeting with Secretary Williamson and Minister Bebb to discuss how we can work together to grow the industrial bases of our respective nations.”

During the visit Minister Pyne will also meet with a range of industry and think tank leaders, and represent Australia at official RAF 100 commemoration events.