It wasn’t all about aircraft at the Avalon International Airshow that was held recently in Victoria, Australia. Alongside the displays, there were industry exhibitions and key leadership engagements for Defence leaders.
08 April, 2025
The show offered representatives of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) the opportunity to engage with other militaries and a range of suppliers, from New Zealand and Australia and further afield.
“It’s about being informed at any level, whether it’s about the (NZDF) knowing about products and services, or us helping inform others about New Zealand capability, it’s all about the sharing of information,” Director Industry and External Engagement Debbie Howarth said.
“The more we do that, the better it will be for us.”
The New Zealand stand, which was the base for the New Zealand Defence Industry Association, New Zealand Trade and Exchange, NZDF and MoD, offered the opportunity for New Zealand industry to showcase their products and services to international militaries, prime contractors, and aligned industry.
Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb testing out the VR training systems of Company X
Representatives from NZ Defence Industry Association, NZTE, NZDF and MOD showcasing New Zealand at Avalon Airshow.
“With the challenges of the geo-political environment at the moment there was a strong sense of purpose around working effectively and getting technology to support and protect our sailors, soldiers and aviators,” Ms Howarth said.
“It’s important the New Zealand Defence Force has a presence at these events. We’re obviously a customer of equipment and services that support our Defence Force and the Ministry of Defence. It was really useful to see industries offering that all in one place and so close to home.
“It’s an Indo-Pacific show, so you have a range of military representatives from a range of countries. It’s informing our thinking and decision-making around procurements into the future,” she said.
Building and maintaining a resilient and sustainable supply chain with our ally Australia was an important focus for both nations. Strong and reliable partnerships into the future are built on regular communication and engagement, which events like this provided an opportunity for.
“It’s the Australians’ biggest show for the aerospace domain and for us not to be there would be unusual. It’s a great military-to-military opportunity and industry is a linking pin between that. It’s an important facet of the relationship,” Ms Howarth said.
(L-R) Chief of the Air Staff, RAF, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, RAAF, Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Chief of Air Force, RNZAF, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb.
During the show Chief of Joint Defence Services, Air Vice-Marshal Andy Woods and Deputy Secretary Sarah Minson participated in the third Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum Defence Dialogue bringing together senior leaders from defence, government, and industry across both nations.
There were also a number of activities attended by the Chief of Air Force during the week, including a symposium for the attending Air Force chiefs.
Throughout the week aircraft made themselves known to everyone who attended, Ms Howarth said.
“There were plenty of aircraft flying around. Every now and then when they came over, we had to stop talking they were so loud, but it really added to the atmosphere.”
RAAF Chief of Air Force Symposium | Royal New Zealand Air Force
- Royal Australian Air Force
- Royal Air Force
