Defence Industry Development Grants Program

Department of Defence (Australian Government) · Grant (up to 50% of eligible expenditure) · Up to $1,000,000 AUD (~$650k USD)

Deadline: Current batches close Aug 31 – Oct 31, 2026 (by stream) · Scope: Australia · Australian-located SME with an ABN, fewer than 200 employees, GST-registered

Funds SME projects that build Australian defence industrial capability across four streams: Sovereign Industrial Priorities (up to $1M), Skilling (up to $250k), Exports (up to $250k), and Security (up to $100k). Grants cover up to 50% of eligible expenditure.

Nationality & eligibility criteria

Australian-located SMEs with an ABN and fewer than 200 employees, registered for GST. Batch close dates: Sovereign Industrial Priorities & Security — 31 Aug 2026; Skilling — 30 Sep 2026; Exports — 31 Oct 2026.

Suggested consortium teaming roles (Gigryde framework)

Defence Prime Liaison & Capability Lead — Project Lead
Sovereign Manufacturing Partner — Production Deliverable
Grant Writing & Defence Compliance Firm — Proposal Submission

Industries: Defence, Manufacturing

Details checked against the official source on 2026-08-30. View the official page ↗