Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today attended the Australian Military Sales Office (AMSO) Forum for Foreign Defence Attachés, held at the Australian Industry Group offices in Canberra, ACT.
The AMSO was established in 2012 to bring government-to-government sales, defence industry export facilitation, and surplus materiel disposals functions into the same organisation.
“AMSO incorporates the Global Supply Chain (GSC) Program, International Materiel Cooperation, Defence major assets disposals and the former Defence Export Unit,” Dr Kelly said.
“It also undertakes government-to-government sales on behalf of Australian defence industry and the Australian Defence Force.
“AMSO works closely with other parts of Defence, industry and foreign governments to increase Australia’s defence-related exports.”
The forum was attended by a number of foreign defence diplomats, including representatives from some of Australia’s long-time allies, such as the United States of America, United Kingdom, France, and New Zealand.
Representatives from Australia’s regional partners, as well as new and emerging markets for the Australian defence industry also attended.
Dr Kelly said the AMSO had already achieved a number of successes in the disposals, trade mission and GSC programs.
“This includes $35 million generated in export sales from trade events in the past few months.
“I’d like to congratulate the team on the work already done, and look forward to future success,” Dr Kelly said.