Local Companies Abandoned as 'Sovereign' is Hijacked
The Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) is the only association actively representing local companies on government procurement.
AIDN chief executive Mike Johnson spoke at the National Press Club, calling on Defence to redefine "sovereign" in its Defence Industry Development Strategy.
Defence's current definition does not deem "ownership" as critical to sovereign, except in specific and limited circumstances.
This means projects like the Ghost Bat (Boeing), Ghost Shark (Anduril), and Bushmasters (Thales) are considered sovereign capability, which is unusual.
Author's summary: AIDN seeks to redefine "sovereign" in Defence strategy.