Defence Delivery Agency
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 July 2026 (group) 1 July 2027 (agency) |
| Preceding agencies |
|
| Jurisdiction | Australian Government |
| Minister responsible | |
| Agency executive |
|
The Defence Delivery Agency (or Defence Delivery Group) is an Australian Government agency announced in December 2025 responsible for military acquisition projects of the Australian Defence Force. To be led by a National Armaments Director, the organisation will be originally formed on 1 July 2026, later evolving to an independent autonomous agency a year thereafter. The agency will consist of the merged Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group (GWEO) and the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group (NSSG).
History
On 1 December 2025, minister for defence and deputy prime minister Richard Marles announced alongside minister for defence industry Pat Conroy that the incumbent Labor government would merge 3 agencies: the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group; the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group; and the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group to form a new Defence Delivery Agency, which would first be known as the Defence Delivery Group.[1] This initial stage would be finalised on 1 July 2026, with the creation of the combined group led by the National Armaments Director.[2] A year later, on 1 July 2027, the second stage would be completed, transforming the group into the Defence Delivery Agency, an autonomous independent authority with its leadership reporting directly to the aforementioned ministers.[3] The announcement coincided with the revelation that the ADF was tracking a People's Liberation Army Navy flotilla in the Philippine Sea.[4]
Structure
Leadership
The group and later agency will be led by a National Armaments Director, who is yet to be appointed.
| Officeholder | Title | Organisation | Start date | Appointed by |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | National Armaments Director | Defence Delivery Group | TBD | Albanese government |
Merger
The agency merges 3 prior Department of Defence procurement groups, each responsible for a niche of acquisition. These groups are:
- Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group, primarily responsible for Australia's advanced missile programs
- Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group, responsible for domestic shipbuilding and maintenance for the Royal Australian Navy
- Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, broadly focused on capability, sustainment and supply chain management.
Notable programs
Australian Army
Royal Australian Air Force
Royal Australian Navy
References
- ^ Kuper, Stephen (1 December 2025). "New look Defence Delivery Agency to shake up nation's capability acquisition". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ "Three Defence agencies scrapped as government announces major overhaul". 9news.com.au. Australia: Nine Entertainment. 1 December 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ "Government unveils Department of Defence overhauls amid delays, blowouts". ABC News. 1 December 2025. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ McIlroy, Tom; Canales, Sarah Basford (1 December 2025). "Australia tracking Chinese navy flotilla in Philippine Sea as Marles announces major defence overhaul". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ "Australia buys M142 HIMARS - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ Dougherty, Robert (10 November 2025). "Lockheed confirms PrSM Increment 4 flight testing in Australia next year". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ "Major Programs - Defence Connect". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ "Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile to be integrated on RAAF Super Hornets - Australian Defence Magazine". www.australiandefence.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ APDR (12 April 2025). "BAE Systems, Boeing sign 10-year Ghost Bat deal". APDR. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ Shoebridge, Michael (7 August 2025). "Japan's frigate win: Australia gets a strategic industrial partner; Japan gets a bucket of Australian risks". Strategic Analysis Australia. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ Kuper, Stephen (4 September 2025). "Hunter Class frigate director-general hits back at renewed criticism". www.defenceconnect.com.au. Retrieved 1 December 2025.
- ^ Doherty, Ben (28 July 2025). "Australia won't receive Aukus nuclear submarines unless US doubles shipbuilding, admiral warns". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 December 2025.