In January 2025 GME was approved to operate within the AUKUS Licence-Free Environment under the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Act 2024. The AUKUS initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Governments of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to advance collective defence capabilities through strategic partnerships between both the governments and the industry of each nation.
The licence-free environment exempts certain Defence and Strategic Goods List (DSGL) goods, technologies, and services from permit requirements when transferring between these three nations. This breakthrough streamlines the flow of ITAR-controlled information and technology between GME and US industry and accelerates the ability for GME to deliver ‘Australian made’ outcomes for US-sourced military electronic and cyber systems, and export Australian-made systems into the US Defence supply chain.
The AUKUS licence-free environment accelerates GME’s ability to work in Australia with our US partner Owl Cyber Defense. Owl is a US-based leader in Cross Domain Solutions and Data Diodes, which ensure secure and reliable data transfer across enterprise and high threat networks. In mid 2024 GME and Owl reached an agreement for GME to sell, distribute and support Owl’s cyber security products in the APAC region. In the longer term GME will manufacture select product lines for Australian clients and contribute to Owl’s AUKUS-wide supply chain for Owl’s global customers. To learn more about Owl’s cyber security product line, participate in technology-focused webinars and get access to word leading thinking through Owl White Papers go to Owl Cyber Defense | Cross-Domain & Data Diode Network Security
As part of the broader AUKUS initiative, this licence-free environment is designed to:
- Revolutionise the speed and scale of defence collaboration, enabling faster responses to emerging challenges.
- Unlock unprecedented levels of scientific, technological, and industrial cooperation, driving innovation.
- Fast-track delivery of high-end capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.
- Maximise the value of collective resources and talent across AUKUS nations.
This approval represents a significant step in enabling GME to support the objectives of AUKUS and contribute to a more secure and connected future for our allies.
To discuss your needs for secure electronics manufacturing, network interface security and how to secure your networked Operational Technology from global threat actors contact GME at defenceservice@gme.net.au