Running just ahead of the UK’s DSEI exhibition, the Australian British Defence Catalyst (ABDC) will bring together the top tier of defence, industry, policy and research for a unique three days of special briefing and thought leadership.

Highlights include a robust report card on AUKUS Pillar 1, how the latest strategic intelligence is driving new advanced capability, and where the growing appetite for investment in national security is coming from.

The Aims and Objectives of ABDC 2025 are:

• Latest strategic intelligence as context for political and policy responses
• Push harder for Pillar 1 progress and priorities on skills, social value, industry/government partnerships and the construction challenge
• Explore new levels of interoperative capability within AUKUS and allies
• Connect intelligence, mission led thinking and defence funding to deliver for defence
• Build knowledge, network and local supply chains in deterrence and guided weapons

The current confirmed speakers are:

• The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry
• His Excellency the Hon Stephen Smith, Australian High Commissioner to the UK
• David Williams CB, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence
• Andy Start, CEO, DE&S and Interim National Armaments Director
• Lieutenant General Sir Rob Magowan KCB CBE, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff
• Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE, Deputy Commander of Strategic Command
• The Hon Stephen Mullighan MP, South Australian Treasurer; Minister for Defence & Space Industries; Minister for Police
• The Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services; Corrective Services; Defence Industries; Veterans; Racing and Gaming
• The Rt Hon Lord Spellar, UK Trade and Investment Envoy to Australia
• The Rt Hon Sir Ben Wallace KCB, Partner, BOKA Capital; Former UK Defence Secretary
• The Rt Hon Joe Hockey, Founding Partner, Bondi Partners
• Vice Admiral Sir Chris Gardner KBE, CEO, Submarine Delivery Agency
• Air Vice Marshal Jim Beck, RAF’s Director Capability and Programmes
• Kate van Hilst, First Assistant Director General SSN Construction, Australian Submarine Agency
• John Ridge CBE, Chief Adoption Officer, NATO Innovation Fund
• Sir Lawrence Freedman KCMG CBE FBA, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, King’s College London
• Steve Wadey, CEO, QinetiQ
• John Ridge CBE, Chief Adoption Officer, NATO Innovation Fund
• Mark Goldsack CBE, Managing Director of Business Growth and AUKUS, Babcock
• Gabby Costigan MBE, Group Managing Director, Business Development, BAE Systems
• Craig Lockhart, CEO, BAE Systems Australia
• Paul Wilson, Deputy Director Strategic Programmes & Head Team Hypersonics (UK), Ministry of Defence
• Stephen Faulkner, CEO, PMB Defence
• Rob Nioa, Founder, NIOA
• Abe Denmark, Partner, The Asia Group
• Linda Dawson, Deputy Director General Industry Science Innovation, WA Dept of Jobs Tourism Science and Innovation 
• Matt Opie, Chief Executive, Defence SA
• Andy Bamford, CEO, NSSIF
• Rob Murray, CEO, Defence, Security and Resilience Bank
• Matt Hill, CEO, Hypersonix
• Blake Nikolic, CEO, Black Sky Industries
• David Nockels, First Assistant Secretary, Defence Trade, Regulation and Industrial Collaboration, Department of Defence
• Greg Mallitte, U.S. Export Controls Team Lead at UK Ministry of Defence
• Kathryn Essex, Security and Defence Industry, British High Commission Canberra
• Mike Eakins, Chief Investment Officer, Phoenix
• Paul Wilkes, Partner, Osney Capital

Due to the high level of interest, the 2025 ABDC will be invite only. If you wish to be considered for a ticket, please contact Jennifer Cramond jcramond@britishchamber.com. Please also get in touch with Jennifer if you are interested in finding out about Sponsorship options.