Western Australia has entered a new phase in its defence ambitions, formalising an alliance with BlueForge Alliance Australia Limited (BFAA) to bolster the state’s role in the AUKUS partnership and create more skilled jobs across its defence sector.
The WA Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BFAA, the Australian affiliate of US-based BlueForge Alliance, during the Indo Pacific 2025 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney. The move signals closer cooperation between Western Australia and the United States on defence manufacturing, workforce training, and industry participation.
BFAA works alongside the US Navy to strengthen America’s maritime industrial base through advanced manufacturing, supply chain optimisation, and workforce initiatives. Its Australian arm will now help connect WA’s defence capabilities with international supply chains and innovation networks, with the aim of making the state a stronger player in global defence efforts.
For WA, the alliance is about creating a clearer path for local small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in global defence projects and build a workforce ready for AUKUS-related opportunities. The agreement focuses on practical steps such as expanding training pathways, improving skills development, and ensuring industry and education sectors work in tandem.
Defence West and the Department of Training and Workforce Development will collaborate with BFAA to link local businesses and training providers with broader national initiatives. The partnership also promises to give Western Australian SMEs access to international expertise and new opportunities for growth in defence innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia, who signed the MoU on behalf of the Cook Government, said the partnership represents a long-term investment in the state’s capabilities.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to ensuring Western Australia is ready to play its full part in the AUKUS endeavour,” Mr Papalia said. “Through this partnership with BlueForge Alliance, we are strengthening the link between industry, training, and education — ensuring Western Australians are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed for the future of defence.
“WA is already home to a world-class defence industry, and this collaboration will help create more defence manufacturing jobs and diversify our economy.”
Skills, TAFE and Manufacturing Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the partnership is aligned with the government’s push to grow local industry capacity while preparing the workforce for long-term opportunities.
“The MoU signed with BlueForge Alliance Australia will deliver more skilled jobs and business opportunities for Western Australians,” Ms Sanderson said. “The WA Government is investing in training and workforce development and supporting our manufacturing sector to ensure our workers and businesses are ready for the defence-related work that will flow from this and other partnerships.
“Our central role in the AUKUS agreement and our future as a defence industry hub will underpin decades of work and deliver greater diversification of our economy.”
The alliance gives Western Australia an avenue to work directly with a key partner of the US Navy, a move that could help local companies become part of global defence supply chains. It also reflects an effort to deepen collaboration between governments, industry, and education providers — areas often seen as essential to sustaining defence capability over the long term.
By focusing on workforce skills and manufacturing capacity, the WA Government and BFAA hope to ensure Western Australia can meet the needs of both current and future defence projects. For a state already known for its resources and shipbuilding expertise, the agreement may help shift part of that industrial strength into areas tied to AUKUS and international defence cooperation.
While the full economic impact will take time to measure, the partnership positions WA to play a greater role in Australia’s defence future, linking its local expertise with global opportunity.
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