About the Show
UDT Australia 2026 is a specialist defence exhibition and conference dedicated to technologies, research and operational solutions supporting the undersea domain. The event will bring together defence forces, government, industry, academia and international partners to address emerging security challenges and accelerate the delivery of advanced undersea capabilities.
The programme combines a two-day exhibition and conference within a single hall, encouraging continuous interaction between delegates, speakers and exhibitors. The third day will feature industry visits, off-site networking and technical tours showcasing South Australia’s defence ecosystem.
The 2026 event is especially significant because it will be the first time in UDT’s 37-year history that the event has been staged outside Europe and the first edition held in the Southern Hemisphere.
The event theme, “Engineering the Undersea Future,” focuses on translating emerging technologies into deployable operational capability. Its four principal sub-themes are:
- Autonomy: Autonomous and uncrewed systems that extend reach, persistence and decision-making.
- Application: Integrating emerging technologies into deployable defence capability.
- Agility: Developing, procuring and delivering capability affordably and at scale.
- Human Factors: Developing the people, skills and training required to operate and sustain future systems.
Key Features of the Show
Specialist Undersea Defence Exhibition
A focused exhibition showcasing technologies, systems and services from across the global undersea defence supply chain. Exhibitors will be able to demonstrate solutions directly to military, government, industry and research stakeholders.
Technical Conference Programme
A research-rich conference featuring strategic briefings, technical presentations, case studies and expert discussions covering emerging threats, operational requirements and developments in undersea capability.
Keynote Theatre
High-level addresses and strategic discussions involving senior military leaders, government representatives, industry innovators and defence thinkers. Topics are expected to include naval capability, autonomous systems, subsea warfare and Indo-Pacific security priorities.
Newcomer Zone
A dedicated area for Australian start-ups and SMEs developing new defence and security technologies. The zone is planned to include networking activities and live product demonstrations, helping emerging suppliers connect with established defence organisations and potential partners.
Live Technology Demonstrations
Opportunities for companies to present new products and capabilities in practical formats, allowing attendees to understand their potential defence and operational applications
Who Should Exhibit?
UDT Australia is suited to organisations providing technology, equipment, research, manufacturing or professional services that support naval and undersea operations.
Relevant exhibitors include:
- Submarine platform, construction and sustainment companies
- Autonomous underwater vehicle, UUV, AUV and ROV manufacturers
- Sonar, acoustic sensing and surveillance technology providers
- Underwater communications and navigation specialists
- Combat management, command-and-control and mission-system providers
- Artificial intelligence, data analytics and decision-support companies
- Undersea weapons, torpedo and countermeasure manufacturers
- Mine warfare, seabed warfare and anti-submarine warfare specialists
- Critical undersea infrastructure and subsea cable security providers
- Cybersecurity and electronic warfare companies
- Propulsion, power, battery and long-duration energy-system developers
- Advanced materials and specialist manufacturing companies
- Simulation, training and human-performance providers
- Oceanographic, environmental and climate-science organisations
- Digital twin, modelling and systems-integration specialists
- Engineering, testing, certification and technical consultancies
- Defence primes, SMEs, start-ups and sovereign capability providers
- Universities, research institutes and defence innovation organisations
Who Attends?
The expected audience includes:
- Royal Australian Navy and Australian Defence Force personnel
- International naval and allied defence representatives
- Australian Department of Defence officials
- Government policymakers and defence agencies
- Senior military leaders and capability decision-makers
- Defence procurement and programme management professionals
- Naval architects, engineers, scientists and technologists
- Submarine and undersea warfare specialists
- Defence primes and multinational manufacturers
- Australian defence SMEs and start-ups
- Researchers, universities and academic institutions
- Operators, maintainers and capability sustainment teams
- Systems integrators and supply-chain organisations
- Investors, innovation hubs and technology accelerators
- International trade and industry delegations
The event is designed to attract delegates from Australia, the wider Indo-Pacific, Asia-Pacific allied nations and the global undersea defence community.
Why Should You Exhibit?
Reach Defence Decision-Makers
Present your capabilities to senior military personnel, government representatives, Department of Defence stakeholders and industry leaders actively examining future undersea technologies.
Enter a Growing Indo-Pacific Market
UDT Australia provides a dedicated platform for companies seeking opportunities within Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific’s rapidly developing undersea defence sector.
Support Sovereign Capability
Position your organisation as a potential contributor to Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base, advanced manufacturing capability and future undersea programmes.
Generate International Exposure
The event is expected to attract a substantial overseas audience, giving Australian exhibitors access to international markets while helping global suppliers establish relationships within Australia.
Engage the South Australian Defence Ecosystem
The industry visit programme provides an additional opportunity to engage with South Australian SMEs, innovation hubs, research institutions and defence precincts beyond the exhibition hall.
