BAE Systems Australia, a major defence prime, has announced it will establish its head office at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide. This move is set to support work on the Hunter Class Frigate and AUKUS submarine programs, positioning the company at the forefront of South Australia’s defence and technology sectors.
The decision aligns with BAE Systems’ strategic role as a key tenant in the Innovation Centre at Lot Fourteen. This partnership is part of a broader commitment to the ‘Innovation Places’ network, and aims to boost the state’s innovation capacity through strategic collaborations across technology and defence sectors.
BAE Systems expects this move to create many jobs in South Australia and inject billions into the local economy through ongoing maritime and defence projects. The company plans to bring around 500 employees to the new location, improving its operational connections, especially with nearby major projects at Osborne Naval Shipyard and the Edinburgh Defence Precinct.
The announcement also highlights the new Innovation Centre at Lot Fourteen, which represents the first phase of a major development master plan for the district. With a tenancy commitment of 77% prior to its opening, the centre is poised to become a hub for industries including defence, space, and cyber technologies.
Peter Malinauskas, Premier of South Australia, spoke about the regional benefits of these developments. “Between Hunter Class frigates and AUKUS submarines, South Australia is a major defence player on the global stage,” Malinauskas stated.
The Premier highlighted the impact on both regional defence capabilities and wider economic factors, such as research and innovation, which collectively improve living standards across the state.
“BAE basing its headquarters at Lot Fourteen, alongside universities, the Defence Technologies Academy, Innovation Hub, space industry and other innovative businesses makes perfect sense,” Malinauskas added.
Stephen Mullighan, Treasurer and Minister for Defence and Space Industries, also commented on the strategic significance of these developments. “BAE Systems choosing Lot Fourteen as its headquarters presents an extraordinary opportunity for South Australia to grow its reputation as the Defence State,” Mullighan said.
He also referenced a recent $270 million agreement that aims to expand missile component production in Adelaide, underscoring BAE Systems’ growing commitment to the state’s economic and industrial growth.
Craig Lockhart, Chief Executive of BAE Systems Australia, outlined the company’s vision for its Adelaide headquarters. “Today marks an exciting new chapter in our company as we announce plans to establish our head office at Lot Fourteen in Adelaide,” Lockhart said.
He underlined the relationship between the company’s expansion plans and the strategic co-location with key stakeholders such as customers, academia, and industry partners. “Over the next 12 months we expect to recruit 800 new employees across our operations, and Lot Fourteen is a key enabler to achieving our growth ambitions,” he said.
This initiative is part of the larger SA Innovation Places Leadership Framework, a 10-year strategy aiming to connect and improve the state’s 22 innovation zones. These zones are central to promoting statewide employment, which is projected to include over 42,000 positions, creating significant economic, educational, and regional development throughout South Australia.
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