The Chamber is delighted to be holding its second Australian British Defence Catalyst (ABDC) in London on 16-18 July, running just ahead of the Farnborough Air Show.

The Catalyst will bring together speakers from the UK and Australia, including defence ministers, defence primes and leading strategists. The format is presentations and discussions, under Chatham House, with an intimate group of leaders. It includes many networking opportunities including a Welcome Reception at Australia House and the Catalyst Dinner on the Wednesday evening.

The Aims and Objectives of the 2024 Catalyst:

• Share AUKUS progress at a political, policy and industry level and lift momentum for delivery of the ambition
• Champion the push to grow supply chains between Australia and the UK
• Urgently progress Pillar 1 knowhow on skills, social value and the construction challenge
• Showcase Pillar 2 Companies and build greater understanding of the route to market
• Build knowledge in Space defence and dual use and Guided Weapons
• A catalyst to accelerate delivery of military capability through innovation, collaboration and growing private sector defence funding.

Confirmed speakers include...

• His Excellency the Hon Stephen Smith, Australian High Commissioner to the UK; Co-Author of the Defence Strategic Review
• General Sir Roly Walker, KCB, DSO, incoming UK Chief of the General Staff
• The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister of State (Defence)
• Her Excellency the Hon Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia
• Major General Greg Novak AM, Australian Defence Space Commander
• Major General Paul Tedman CBE, Commander, UK Space Command
• Andy Start, CEO, DE&S
• Damian Parmenter CBE, Director General for AUKUS, Ministry of Defence
  
• Shimon Fhima MBE, Director Strategic Programmes, Ministry of Defence
  
• Professor Emily Hilder, Head, Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator
  
• Alison Petchell, Minister Counsellor Defence Materiel, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group
• Vice Admiral Sir Nick Hine KCB (Retd), Managing Director AUKUS & International, Babcock
  

Photo credit: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024 - Photographer: AS1 Amber Mayall RAF