Against a backdrop of increasing global instability and rapid technological change, the 2025 Hunter Defence Conference will bring together over 220 senior leaders from across Defence, government, industry, and research to examine the future of warfare and Australia’s strategic response.

Returning to Rydges Resort Hunter Valley on 20–21 August, this nationally significant conference will explore how Australia can maintain a decisive capability edge in an era defined by integrated, fast-moving, and unconventional conflict.

“This is not a conversation about future threats, they are already here,” said Tim Owen AM JP (AIRCDRE ret’d), Chair of the Hunter Defence Taskforce.

“From cyber to space, autonomous systems to long-range strike, we are entering a new defence paradigm, one that demands urgent collaboration, sovereign capability, and bold regional action.”

Themed The Changing Nature of Warfare, the conference will feature perspectives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Joint Capabilities Group, key political figures and leading defence primes, with a particular emphasis on

• the implications of AUKUS on capability, policy and workforce

• artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and dual-use Technology

• prime/SME collaboration across sovereign supply chains

• regional defence infrastructure and innovation precincts

• the future talent pipeline and workforce transformation

One of the most popular elements of the 2024 program will return in 2025: interactive small-group discussions with senior defence leaders. Delegates will have the opportunity to nominate two preferred discussion groups during registration, creating rare, direct engagement between SMEs and top-level decision-makers in Defence.

“For SMEs, this is more than a conference – it’s a chance to connect one-on-one with the people shaping the future of defence procurement, innovation and capability delivery,” Mr Owen said.

With the Hunter home to fifth generation air combat F-35A Lightning II fighters at RAAF Base Williamtown alongside major defence initiatives including Kongsberg Defence Australia’s missile manufacturing facility and Lockheed Martin’s AIR6500- 1 program – the event reinforces the region’s pivotal role in Australia’s national defence posture.

“The Hunter is no longer just a contributor – it is a strategic enabler,” Mr Owen said.

“What we’re seeing here is the realisation of a coordinated, long-term effort to secure sovereign defence outcomes, accelerate innovation, and build a defence-ready workforce.”

The Hunter Defence Conference attracts is unique within regional Australia and key to promoting regional defence industry capability – presenting a strong and unified voice that is heard throughout NSW industry, the NSW Government, nationally, and importantly, by Federal Government representatives.

Registrations are encouraged early due to limited capacity.

For more information, visit: www.hunterdefence.org.au/hdc2025