Arkeus wins A$1.48M grant to shift defence manufacturing to Queensland
What's the deal? Arkeus, a Victorian technology company, has secured a A$1.48 million (≈$1,034,084) grant from the Queensland GovernmentDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → to move its manufacturing capacity to a new facility at Ormeau on the Gold Coast. The funding comes through the Sovereign Industry Development Fund. Arkeus builds optical radar systems that help drones and other uncrewed craft see, understand and react.
Why now? The grant is one of two backing Gold Coast defence firms, following a recent investment in Arkeus led by Queensland Investment CorporationDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The state is pitching itself as a hub for sovereign defence capability and local supply chains.
What's the endgame? Producing defence equipment locally can cut Australia's reliance on overseas suppliers and support faster repairs and steadier production during demand spikes. The projects add specialised manufacturing, repair and support services to Queensland's defence sector.
The hire: Arkeus has recruited senior Queensland staff, including new vice president of manufacturing Andrew Sim, and plans to grow its local team in the coming years. The moves underpin the company's relocation from Victoria.
The expansion: A second grant recipient, Rhino Linings, will install defence-grade equipment at its Molendinar facility to produce BattleJacket protective coatings in Australia for the first time. The coatings protect military vehicle fuel tanks from ballistic penetration and blast damage, and were previously sourced from the United States.
What officials say: Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the investments would "strengthen local manufacturing, sovereign supply chains and industrial capability." Finance minister Ros Bates said the government "lured Arkeus' advanced manufacturing to Queensland from Victoria."
The signal: The grant is modest — landing near the middle of comparable rounds — but it reflects a broader push to onshore defence production. Governments are increasingly funding investment-ready manufacturers to build sovereign capability and skilled jobs at home.
Read more: thegcminute.com.au
Image credit: mark6mauno
