The official opening event brought together industry, government and international partners to recognise the establishment of new defence manufacturing capability in Victoria, supported by successful collaboration with South Korean partners and a growing local industrial base.
A notable moment at the event was the signing of the first Victorian-made ISU by Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Defence Industry, and Skills and TAFE the Hon. Colin Brooks MP, Corvus CEO Nick Williams, Mr Jin-Kwan OH, Consul-General of the Republic of Korea, Mr Richard Marshall, GM – Business, Hanwha Australia, and Mr Byongkeon Kim, CEO of MNCS, Korea.
The signing symbolises more than a manufacturing milestone. It reflects the capability now established in Victoria through international collaboration, local investment and the development of specialised skills and production capacity in-state – strengthening sovereign industrial capability and supporting future defence readiness.
Additionally, the new facility will support Corvus’ UAV Launcher program and strengthen the company’s ability to contribute to broader defence manufacturing opportunities. The latest unit of heavy payload, electric EL10 Launcher unit is now being prepared for shipment to a customer, underscoring the program’s momentum and the rapid transition from capability development to real-world delivery.
The ISU and Launcher programs have demonstrated Corvus’ capacity to industrialise complex defence products locally.
Corvus is working alongside major global defence partners, including through collaboration with Hanwha Defence Australia on the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle program under LAND 400 Phase 3. Hanwha’s Redback program is one of Australia’s major land capability projects and is to be delivered with substantial Australian industry involvement, local manufacturing and long-term sovereign industrial uplift. The new site represents for Corvus both immediate delivery capability and enduring industrial growth
The opening comes at a time when Victoria is sharpening its focus on advanced manufacturing, supply chain resilience and defence industry growth. The Victorian Defence Vision Statement 2030 says Victoria’s defence sector is to become “a global defence and national security powerhouse that delivers critical capabilities and workforce talent for Australia and its partners”, with a strong emphasis on investment, resilient supply chains, innovation and skills. Corvus’ Victorian operations align with this direction to support defence projects, now and in the future.
As Corvus continues to grow its footprint, the facility is expected to support further collaboration, Victorian jobs, create new advanced manufacturing opportunities and reinforce Victoria’s role in delivering high-value defence capability for Australia and its partners.
Nick Williams, CEO of Corvus Technology Solutions, said:
“This facility represents a significant step forward for Corvus and for Victoria’s defence manufacturing capability. What we are celebrating today is not only a new site, but the establishment of real defence capability in Victoria – built through strong collaboration with our South Korean partners, supported by local expertise, and focused on delivering advanced defence technology. It also reflects our ambition to contribute to larger defence programs by bringing together local manufacturing, trusted international partnerships and laser focus on sovereign capability.”
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Defence Industry, Skills and TAFE Colin Brooks said:
“This is a strong vote of confidence in Victorian supply chain businesses and their ability to deliver for major Australian Army defence projects, while creating highly skilled jobs across the state.”
The event highlighted the strength of collaboration across government, industry and international stakeholders, with guests including representatives from the Victorian Government, the Republic of Korea, Hanwha Australia, MNCS, and Corvus suppliers.
