REDARC, a leader in advanced power solutions and defence technologies, has completed the first phase of its cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub in Lonsdale, Adelaide. This strategic investment underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its Defence & Space division, with plans to create 200 new jobs by 2032.
The newly constructed facility, a repurposed site formerly occupied by global R&D firm Sola International, is designed as a high-tech, next-generation, zone 4 secure hub. It will serve as a nexus for engineers, technicians, and defence experts to develop advanced power solutions and space-ready technologies. According to REDARC Managing Director Anthony Kittel, the hub will support partners locally, nationally, and internationally for decades to come.
“This hub will bring together engineers, technicians and defence experts to create cutting-edge systems that support our partners locally, nationally and internationally for decades to come,” Kittel said.
Stage one of the project received $1 million in support from the South Australian government, reflecting the state’s commitment to fostering innovation in defence and space technologies. Once fully operational, the facility will meet the highest defence security standards, accommodating production, research and development (R&D), and testing. It will also feature collaborative spaces designed to engage start-ups and students, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of innovation.
Kittel emphasised the facility’s role in nurturing the next generation of innovators: “It will not only accelerate REDARC’s growth but also nurture the next generation of innovators by giving them access to world-class equipment and secure spaces to test technology.”
The Defence & Space division of REDARC is already a key player in several high-profile defence projects, including the NASAMS Ground-Based Air Defence System for the Australian Army, Hunter Class Frigates for the Royal Australian Navy, and the Hawkei and Bushmaster vehicles. By expanding its capabilities, REDARC aims to solidify its position as a leader in defence and space technologies while contributing to Australia’s broader industrial and technological ambitions.
The facility’s collaborative areas will provide a platform for start-ups and students to engage with cutting-edge defence and space technologies, creating pathways into high-value careers. From mechanical and software engineers to high-level assembly technicians, REDARC is poised to shape the future of defence innovation.
As REDARC continues to invest in its Defence & Space division, the Lonsdale hub will serve as a cornerstone for Australia’s defence and space industries, driving growth and fostering a new era of technological advancement.