Showcasing Austal technology and expertise at IODS 2026

The expertise, innovation and local partnerships driving Austal’s shipbuilding excellence – and its role in continuous naval shipbuilding in WA – will be on display at the upcoming Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference and Exhibition. Austal is a platinum sponsor of IODS 2026, being held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre between 26 and 28 May 2026. Highlighting Austal’s productive partnerships with SMEs, the Austal stand (2C50) will feature a simulation AROS Console created with Fremantle-based maritime AI and autonomy specialist Greenroom Robotics, which Austal signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with in 2024. Visitors will experience how Austal’s AROS autonomy architecture and Greenroom Robotics’ GAMA software work together to enable safe and scalable autonomous maritime operations – in the case of the simulation, powering one of Austal’s Vantage-class Large Optionally Crewed Surface Vessels. Also on display will be samples of cutting-edge 3D printing for shipbuilding and submarine sustainment produced by Austal USA and demonstrations of Digital SEA, a Digital Secure Exchange for Additive Manufacturing developed by Austal USA to strengthen the U.S. Navy’s submarine industrial base. This system enables trusted, streamlined data sharing across the maritime industrial base, accelerating production, expanding supplier participation and enhancing fleet readiness. Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Austal and Australia’s sovereign submarine partner ASC, the two organisations are collaborating on additive manufacturing technologies and workforce development. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in strengthening Australia’s sovereign naval capability. Austal Executive Chairman, Hon Richard V. Spencer, will participate in an industry panel discussion on 26 May and Austal teams will host three unique presentations throughout the week that are open to all IODS 2026 attendees. The sessions begin with Maritime Autonomy: What Does Operational Reality Look Like?, where a panel of experts will explore the practical realities of transitioning from crewed to optionally crewed vessels and the realisation of meaningful autonomous capability. Second will be a discussion on Continuous Naval Shipbuilding in WA, including how Austal’s more than 30 years’ experience, skilled workforce and supply chains will support its delivery and the growth of sovereign capability in Western Australia. And the Austal sustainment team will give a presentation on Enhancing Regional Sustainment Hubs to Support Allied Navies, with a focus on Austal’s work to align its facilities across the Indo Pacific Region to meet future requirements. Austal leadership and representatives of its technology, sustainment, supply chain and recruitment teams will be at the Austal stand during the week. Comments attributable to Austal CEO Paddy Gregg: “Austal is proud to support and play such a significant role in IODS 2026.” “Being a Perth-based event, it provides a welcome opportunity to highlight our role in continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and fruitful partnerships with WA businesses.” “From the technology at the Austal stand, to the presentations given by subject experts from across our teams, IODS 2026 is a showcase of the innovation, performance and reliability that characterise Austal and its vessels.”