Photo: Stefan Postles/ Getty

Minister Pyne said Northrop Grumman joined the program in 2011 and BAE Systems in 2012. Both prime companies have since expanded their model to drive an increase in the number of defence and commercial opportunities provided to Australian Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“Australian companies continue to prove themselves on the global stage by successfully winning work in the supply chains of the defence primes,” Minister Pyne said. 

“This success is evident through the award of contracts totalling $830 million to over 140 SMEs and organisations under the GSC Program. 

The GSC Program is the only program of its kind where the prime is contracted to identify and award export contracts on merit. This is a revolutionary model where the customer is supporting the supplier in navigating the challenges associated with doing business.    

Minister Pyne said the model had the added advantage of providing capable Australian SMEs with the opportunity to become a preferred supplier to the defence multinational—well beyond any Australian Defence procurement timeframes.  

“The GSC Program helps to overcome barriers to export markets by ensuring Australian companies have the opportunity to compete internationally and develop their international competitiveness,” he said. 

The GSC Program is delivered by the Centre for Defence Industry Capability, which provides support to SMEs through grants and advisory services to maximise their outcomes in global supply chains. 

Further information on the GSC Program and other export initiatives can be found at https://www.business.gov.au/centre-for-defence-industry-capability.