NT Defence Week 2026: Territory as Indo-Pacific Hub
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is putting the Northern Territory where it belongs, at the centre of Australia’s defence future, with the launch of NT Defence Week 2026.
Defence is a key pillar of the CLP Government’s plan to rebuild the Territory economy, demonstrating the Territory can deliver for Australia and positioning the Northern Territory as the defence partner of choice in Northern Australia.
From 27 April to 1 May 2026, Darwin will again become the nation’s defence meeting place, bringing together Defence, industry and Indo-Pacific partners in Australia’s most geostrategic location.
Chief Minister and Minister for DefenceNT Lia Finocchiaro said the Territory is Australia’s frontline for defence capability and Indo-Pacific engagement.
“The Northern Territory isn’t on the edge of Australia’s defence map, we are the frontline,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“Our location, infrastructure and people make Darwin the natural gateway for Indo-Pacific engagement and national defence readiness.
“Every capability built here strengthens Australia and helps rebuild the Territory economy at the same time, creating new trade and investment opportunities.”
NT Defence Week 2026 will showcase the real-world advantages only the north can deliver: proximity to the region, access to strategic sea lanes, training areas, port and airport infrastructure, and a defence industry ready to grow.
This year’s theme, “Northern Capability, National Defence,” is a statement of intent: the Territory’s strategic location, infrastructure and industry capability are central to strengthening Australia’s defence posture and resilience in the Indo-Pacific.
The program includes the Australian Defence Magazine Northern Australia Defence Summit (28-29 April), focused on strategic policy and high-level industry dialogue, alongside events that highlight Territory capability and strengthen trade and investment links.
In 2025, NT Defence Week attracted more than 2,000 participants and injected over $6.5 million into the local economy. In 2026, the program will build on that success by positioning the Territory as a hub for Defence and Indo-Pacific engagement, showcasing Territory-based defence industry capability, and strengthening relationships with the Australian Defence Force, the Australian Government, international partners and industry.
NT Defence week will also celebrate the Chief Minister’s Awards for Excellence in the Defence Industry and the contribution of the Territory’s veteran community through the NT Veteran Awards.
Minister for Veterans Jinson Charls said the Northern Territory is home to one of the largest veteran communities per capita in Australia.
“Around 20,000 current and ex-serving personnel and their families call the Territory home,” Mr Charls said.
“Veterans bring skills and experience gained through service that continue to strengthen the Territory’s workforce and broader economy.
“These awards recognise employers, employees and community businesses that support veterans and the veteran community in the Northern Territory.”
Award categories include Excellence in the Defence Industry for large, small and Indigenous businesses, recognising organisations that go above and beyond, strengthening local industry, supporting Defence operations and lifting the Territory’s strategic importance.
Nominations are now open and close on 27 February 2026.
To learn more about NT Defence Week 2026 and the Chief Minister’s Awards for Excellence in the Defence Industry, visit: here
https://nt.gov.au/
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