Indigenous Defence Services Steps Up to Fill Capability Gap in Defence
Aboriginal-led capability services company expands its technology, training, protective service and Indigenous engagement service model to ensure benefits from Australia's accelerating sovereign Defence build-up remain authentically connected to Country.
FREMANTLE, WA – 1 October 2026: Indigenous Defence Services (IDS), an Nyoongar Aboriginal-led Defence capability company, has commenced a strategic expansion to meet the demand for genuine Indigenous participation amid unprecedented growth across Australia's Defence sector.
The expansion, which is aligned with the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program and supports Western Australia's sovereign defence manufacturing centre initiative, will see IDS operate at the intersection of cutting-edge Defence capability and authentic Indigenous expertise - a position the company says is central to solving Defence's workforce and capability gap.
"It is abundantly clear that Defence has or will soon have a capability gap problem, and this is likely to quickly emerge across technology, skilled workforce, and the need for trusted partnership - particularly in the Indigenous space. Indigenous Defence Services is in the strongest position to meet this demand and do so with the backing of Traditional Owner groups on Nyoongar Country," Hamish Johnston, CEO of Indigenous Defence Services, said.
"What IDS offers the sector stretches well beyond cutting-edge capability. Our services draw on 65,000 years of connection to Country – local knowledge, Indigenous values and trusted partners. We want to make sure Aboriginal Australians secure a rightful place in the service of protecting this nation and adding value to any organisations that engage with them, not on the margins of the industry but at its centre."
IDS will scale its operations in four areas: technology - autonomous systems, ISR and counter-UAS, sensors, communications and secure networks, and sovereign manufacturing partnerships; training - virtual and augmented reality instruction, headset-based immersive simulation and real-scenario mission rehearsal; security and protection services - mobile and static patrols, monitoring and response, and security training and advisory; and First Nations engagement - cultural heritage and land-use consultation, Native Title and access agreement support, and community benefit strategies.
It will leverage established Indigenous networks and Elder connections to help organisations navigate growth without friction and with long-lasting benefits to communities.
"The opportunities for genuine wealth creation for Aboriginal peoples is triggered by building strong and valued capabilities at a time when demand will potentially outweigh supply. This brings significant and life-changing prospects for Aboriginal people and can benefit the Defence sector enormously," Johnston said.
"IDS exists to make sure every Indigenous engagement is seamless and that those in Defence receive the intrinsic value in cultural knowledge inherent in First Nations peoples."
IDS will showcase its expanded capability at L3-M00, Land Forces 2026.
ENDS
About Indigenous Defence Services
Indigenous Defence Services (IDS) is an Aboriginal-led Defence capability company bringing technology, capability, industry partners and Indigenous Australians together to strengthen Australia's sovereign Defence capability. IDS operates across technology, training, security and protection services, and First Nations engagement, and is aligned with the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program. IDS is a sister company to EON Protection, under common ownership.
Media Contact
Amanda Fay
amanda@weitjinvestments.au
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