As the trends driving the deterioration of Australia’s strategic environment continue to broaden and intensify, this year marks a pivotal time for Defence through the biennial release of our strategic documentation, and the implementation of Defence reform.

The recently released 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program have set out the Government’s plan to respond to Australia’s strategic circumstances and the investments needed to continue transforming the Australian Defence Force into an integrated, focused force.

In addition, the Government announced its plan for Defence reform in December 2025, consolidating key delivery groups under one accountable body and bringing together capability development functions under the Vice Chief of Defence Force. 1 July 2026 marks the first stage of this reform through the interim step of combining Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group, and Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group into the Defence Delivery Group, and the consolidation of capability development functions.

This year’s Defence + Industry Conference (D+I) 2026, will be an essential platform to engage with senior Defence leaders on the alignment and relationships under Defence reform, the 2026 National Defence Strategy, Integrated Investment Program and the soon to be released Defence Industry Development Strategy 2026, and industry’s vital role in supporting these strategic outcomes.

I'm looking forward to welcoming you to this year's conference.