Local companies abandoned as ‘sovereign’ is hijacked

Local Companies Overlooked as "Sovereign" Definition is Challenged

The Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) is advocating for local companies in government procurement, with CEO Mike Johnson urging Defence to revise its definition of "sovereign" in the Defence Industry Development Strategy.

Currently, Defence's definition does not consider ownership critical to sovereignty, except in limited circumstances, leading to projects like the Ghost Bat (Boeing), Ghost Shark (Anduril), and Bushmasters (Thales) being deemed sovereign capability, which Johnson finds unusual.

Defence's current definition goes not deem "ownership" as critical to sovereign, except in specific and limited circumstances.

AIDN's push for a revised definition aims to ensure local companies receive fair representation in government procurement.

Author's summary: AIDN CEO Mike Johnson calls for revised "sovereign" definition.

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InnovationAus.com InnovationAus.com — 2025-10-18

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