More than half the world's container shipping and 80 per cent of global maritime oil trade passes through the Indian Ocean.
The ocean stretches from Western Australia's coastline all the way to Africa's eastern coast - a region 33 nations and 2.9 billion people call home.
The Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference created a forum for leaders to discuss opportunities to strengthen defence and maritime domain cooperation to protect the region, and how industry supports diplomacy, defence and security policy.
Senior Australian and international government, Defence and industry leaders gathered in Perth from July 24 to 26 for the conference, which explored the theme 'Where AUKUS meets the quad'.
Attendees heard from a range of expert speakers, viewed industry showcases and exhibitions, and participated in networking and engagement events.
Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group Jim McDowell attended the conference and engaged with a range of Defence industry partners during the three-day symposium.
Mr McDowell said it was important to engage with industry and strategic partners, and acknowledged the role of the Indo-Pacific region for Australia, particularly for naval shipbuilding and sustainment.
"Hosting this year's Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference in Perth highlights the importance of the region in terms of security and prosperity in Australia, and provides an opportunity to connect with valued industry and strategic partners," Mr McDowell said.
"This year's conference holds a particular focus on the AUKUS partnership and the future of Australia's maritime defence capabilities.
"Western Australia plays a key role in advancing capability delivery in the maritime domain through continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment initiatives, to ensure the Royal Australian Navy are best equipped to fight and win at sea.
"Engagement with industry is a key enabler in ensuring capability delivery in line with Australia's strategic objectives. We can't achieve what we need to achieve without the partnership of Defence industry."
The future of Australia's defence is being shaped in Australia's Indian Ocean state - Western Australia.
The state's cutting-edge research and innovative defence businesses will play a critical role in the future of Australia's naval shipbuilding and sustainment enterprise.
