Nuclear Taskforce

8 Days Till Arkansas! Now in Washington and excited to be heading to Little Rock next week as we continue strengthening ties across the AUKUS alliance and beyond. Fort Smith’s Ebbing Air National Guard Base is making history with the arrival of Poland’s first pair of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, a testament to the importance of international cooperation in defense. These cutting-edge aircraft will serve as the foundation for training Polish fighter pilots, further solidifying partnerships among allies committed to global security. As Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton eloquently stated: "We will once again hear the sound of freedom in the skies from right here in Arkansas. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies through Ebbing's operations to enhance the security of our nation. Additionally, this base will bring amazing economic opportunities to the state [of Arkansas] for decades to come with jobs, businesses, and more." Australia understands the value of the F-35A platform, with our full fleet of 72 F-35A Lightning II aircraft now in service. Alongside the EA-18G Growlers and F/A-18F Super Hornets, they form the cornerstone of Australia’s air defense and strike capabilities, as highlighted in our 2024 National Defence Strategy. Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges also praised the incredible teamwork behind this milestone: "The sound of freedom returning to the River Valley today is the result of dedicated efforts by the 188th Wing, Razorback Range, and Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center. Their partnership with the active-duty Air Force has made this mission possible in Arkansas." Looking forward to connecting with key leaders in Arkansas to explore opportunities that strengthen our shared security, drive innovation, and deliver economic benefits across the AUKUS member nations. The sound of freedom knows no borders! AUKUS Forum 🇦🇺🇬🇧🇺🇸

🌟 Join Us in Connecticut with the AUKUS Forum Delegations in 2025! 🌟 We’re excited to connect Australian and UK industry across the United States as we strengthen ties and create new opportunities. Connecticut is leading the way in advanced manufacturing and innovation, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it. 📅 Save the Dates: February 17 March 17 April 28 Join our delegations as we: ✅ Walk factory floors and see cutting-edge manufacturing in action. ✅ Meet local research and industry leaders driving innovation. ✅ Explore new supply chain opportunities and pathways for growth. 🎙 Don’t miss the "Fastest Three Minutes in Manufacturing" each Friday with Paul S. Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer for the State of Connecticut. Discover what makes Connecticut a hub for innovation and learn about all the "Cool Things" made here in the latest edition of AUKUS Forum News - https://lnkd.in/gzMMZmPu 🚀 Do you have new technologies to share with U.S. industry? 🚀 Ready to expand your business into the United States? 🚀 Looking to get involved with local supply chains? Contact our Global Partnerships Manager, Matthew Netherwood, and be part of this exciting journey as we walk the factory floors and build a brighter future together. Matthew@aukusforum.com

🚀 Access to capital - growth fund Are you: ✅ A family business leader seeking expansion? ✅ A start-up visionary with groundbreaking technologies? ✅ An established business ready to scale? We invest in Australian companies. We help expand into the United States and beyond. We provide access to capital and decades of industry experience to help businesses like yours thrive. 🎤 Keynote Speaker: Michael Sharpe – An Australian industry leader and advocate for innovation and growth. Michael’s expertise spans engineering, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, environmental sustainability, the space industry, academia, and the nuclear sector. This is your opportunity to connect with investors who are eager to support growth across industries like Agtech, Critical Minerals and Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, and Infrastructure. Why Attend? ✔️ Gain actionable insights from Michael Sharpe, a proven leader with a passion for fostering innovation. ✔️ Build meaningful connections with investors ready to back your vision. ✔️ Discover tailored funding opportunities to help your business reach new heights. Event Details: 📅 Date: 25 February 2025 🕒 Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 Noon 📍 Location: Level 14, 111 Pacific Hwy, North Sydney NSW 2060 ⏳ Spots are limited! Registration is FREE, so don’t miss out on this chance to transform your business. 👉 Register Now to secure your spot and take the next step toward success! https://lnkd.in/gFYmqGAz Industrial Base Capital Partners, BridgePoint Group, Cattle Corporation, Sharpe Family Office, Space and Future Industries, Lawforce Alpha, United States Partners

#AUKUS - from California and now in Washington DC 🇦🇺🇬🇧🇺🇸 This month our focus is on #additive manufacturing and advanced fabrication across industry from electronics to robotics welding and more. As we crisscross the nation, we’ll be walking the factory floors in Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut and Texas too. Countdown to Arkansas! #10days to go Get involved and contact our Global Partnerships Manager, Matthew Netherwood - matthew@aukusforum.com ————- The Special Office for AUKUS connects business across nations, with hubs in: Rogers, Arkansas: Aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Kennedy Space Center, Florida: Space manufacturing. Maryland Technology Center: Defense and innovation. Groton, Connecticut: Submarine sector expertise. ————- See the latest edition of AUKUS Forum News here https://lnkd.in/gzMMZmPu

🚀 Driving Innovation Across America 🇺🇸 As we depart California, the AUKUS Forum team is on the move across the United States. Our mission? To connect with innovators, manufacturers, researchers, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of defense and manufacturing. From the cutting-edge advancements in #additive manufacturing to breakthroughs in welding technologies and AI-driven systems, this is about more than innovation—it's about building lasting partnerships that strengthen the defense industrial base across AUKUS nations. What’s Ahead: Spotlighting Regional Strengths: We’ll be meeting with SMEs and industry leaders in Texas, Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, and beyond to explore opportunities for collaboration and co-development. Enabling Co-Production: Identifying ways to bring the best of U.S. innovation together with Australian and UK expertise to deliver resilient, scalable solutions. Fostering Opportunities: Our focus throughout January is on showcasing how SMEs, researchers, and manufacturers can join initiatives in additive manufacturing, cybersecurity, AI, and more. The AUKUS Forum is committed to ensuring the success of Pillar Two initiatives, which focus on delivering advanced capabilities while unlocking new opportunities for industry growth. 🌟 Follow Our Journey: As we crisscross the nation, we’ll be highlighting the incredible talent and technologies that are setting the standard for the future of defense and manufacturing. Let’s build a stronger, more collaborative future—together. Contact our Global Partnerships Manager, Matthew Netherwood - matthew@aukusforum.com ——————— The Special Office for AUKUS connects business across nations, with hubs in: Rogers, Arkansas: Aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Kennedy Space Center, Florida: Space manufacturing. Maryland Technology Center: Defense and innovation. Groton, Connecticut: Submarine sector expertise. See the latest edition of AUKUS Forum News here https://lnkd.in/gb4hd79B

At the AUKUS Forum, we’re witnessing the incredible impact of collaboration as our CEO, Michael Sharpe, crisscrosses the United States. From Texas to Maryland, Connecticut to Virginia, Michael is walking factory floors, meeting research and industry leaders, and creating opportunities in #additive manufacturing, cybersecurity, AI, welding technologies, and supply chain collaboration. 📅 Arkansas – January 14 The countdown is underway as Michael prepares to meet with Arkansas’s innovators and trailblazers in electronics, heavy engineering, and advanced manufacturing. This visit is a vital step in building bridges between industry and research to unleash the power of AUKUS and boost capabilities. 🔗 Be Part of AUKUS Connect The AUKUS Forum is dedicated to driving innovation that fuels growth across Australia, the UK, and the US, while strengthening industries and building new technologies. 📣Contact our Global Partnerships Manager, Matthew Netherwood - matthew@aukusforum.com See the latest edition of AUKUS Forum News https://lnkd.in/g9Q5n8Ga From steel making, to quantum technologies, AUKUS is the largest industrial endeavor in Australia’s history - see https://lnkd.in/g2CAX_bE

#Arkansas 🌟Crisscrossing the Nation: AUKUS in Action 🌟 The AUKUS Forum is on a mission to unlock the full potential of the alliance. From walking the factory floors to forging new partnerships, the Forum is driving opportunities across the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom for industries with additive manufacturing, welding technologies, and supply chain collaboration. 🚀 From Texas to Virginia, Maryland to Connecticut – and back to Arkansas! 📅 Countdown to Arkansas: January 14 AUKUS Forum CEO Michael Sharpe will meet with research and industry leaders in Arkansas, focusing on innovations in electronics, AI, heavy engineering, and additive manufacturing. This is your chance to join the conversation and explore how the AUKUS partnership can create pathways for collaboration and growth in your field. Let’s work together to shape the future of advanced manufacturing and technological innovation. We are connecting new technologies with industry supply chains. See AUKUS Connect here https://lnkd.in/g2CAX_bE Contact our Global Partnerships Manager Matthew Netherwood - matthew@aukusforum.com 👉 Mark your calendar for January 14 in Arkansas! ——————— The Special Office for AUKUS connects business across nations, with hubs in: Rogers, Arkansas: Aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Kennedy Space Center, Florida: Space manufacturing. Maryland Technology Center: Defense and innovation. Groton, Connecticut: Submarine sector expertise. See the latest edition of AUKUS Forum News here https://lnkd.in/gb4hd79B

🌟 Spotlight on Arkansas 🌟 This month, the AUKUS Forum is proud to highlight Arkansas as a key player in the aerospace and defense industries. With groundbreaking investments, world-class infrastructure, and a skilled workforce, Arkansas is setting the standard for innovation and growth in these critical sectors. Here’s why Arkansas deserves the spotlight: ✅ $60M Expansion by Taber Extrusions in Russellville, introducing North America’s largest direct extrusion press and creating 70 new jobs. ✅ $63M RTX and Rafael Partnership in East Camden, producing advanced missile systems like the Tamir and SkyHunter® for defense needs. ✅ $100M Dassault Falcon Jet Investment in Little Rock, adding 800 new jobs to one of the largest global aviation facilities. ✅ Ebbing Air National Guard Base selected for a new pilot training center, bringing 900 military members and their families to Fort Smith and supporting F-16 and F-35 programs for allied nations. Arkansas demonstrates what’s possible with strategic vision, collaboration, and investment. The state’s 170+ aerospace and defense firms and strong talent pipeline, supported by its 40+ educational institutions, make it a natural fit for innovation in areas like manufacturing, cybersecurity, AI, and quantum technologies. The AUKUS Forum sees Arkansas as a shining example of how regional strength can advance global security and economic prosperity. We invite our partners across the AUKUS alliance to explore the incredible opportunities emerging from this dynamic region. 📢 Let’s continue to collaborate and build a stronger future together. #AUKUS Michael Sharpe —————————————- The Special Office for AUKUS connects business across nations, with hubs in: Rogers, Arkansas: Aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Kennedy Space Center, Florida: Space manufacturing. Maryland Technology Center: Defense and innovation. Groton, Connecticut: Submarine sector expertise. See the latest edition of AUKUS Forum News here https://lnkd.in/gb4hd79B Get involved with our 2025 workshop series across the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States. Contact our Global Partnerships Manager Matthew Netherwood - Matthew@aukusforum.com ———————- Walk the factory floors with us across the United States in January, February and March - see https://lnkd.in/g2CAX_bE Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance; World Trade Center Arkansas; Arkansas Economic Development Commission; Arkansas District Export Council; University of Arkansas; Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas; BlueForge Alliance; America Makes; Chad Causey; Denise Thomas; Rob Ator; John Wilczynski; Rob Gorham; Kiley Wren; Roxanne Warren; Matt Prochaska; Matthew Roberts; Chad Johnson; Jacqueline Borsboom; Abraham Denmark; Matthew Sweeney; Scott Stewart; Matthew Steinhelfer; Lincoln Reifsteck; Matthew Kibble; Caterpillar Inc. Mundo-Tech; THE AKANA GROUP INC. Industrial Base Capital Partners; Center for American Industrial Strength

Join the AUKUS Forum delegations across the United States - January - booked out 17th February 17th March Contact - Cathy@aukusforum.com The Special Office for AUKUS, now operating across four key strategic locations: Rogers, Arkansas – Advancing the aerospace industry Kennedy Space Center, Florida – Supporting space industry manufacturing Maryland Technology Center, Maryland – Strengthening the defense industrial base Groton, Connecticut – Driving submarine sector innovation Details - https://lnkd.in/g2CAX_bE See the latest edition of AUKUS Forum News here https://lnkd.in/g9Q5n8Ga

AUSTRALIA - While many local suppliers are approaching AUKUS with caution, 3D metal printing company AML3D (ASX:AL3) has spent years entrenching itself into the US defence supply chain, and has been engaged directly by the US Navy to manufacture parts using its specialised 3D metal printing system – known as Arcemy – for the country’s nuclear submarines. After securing more than $16m in US defence contracts, the ASX-listed company opened a manufacturing facility in Ohio in December, and raised $30m in November to more than double its US capacity, and to set up its first facility in Europe. Managing director Sean Ebert said “the backdrop of AUKUS” was a significant factor in the company’s expansion, and it was now well positioned to capitalise on the closer ties being built between Australian and its closest allies. “We’ve started to generate a lot of interest through the AUKUS relationships with the UK now – so they’re asking for systems to be deployed in the UK,” he said. “And then on top of that, we’ve just finished the part for the Virginia-class submarine program … and that’ll be a bit of a showcase for the Australian government and for AUKUS. “We’re seeing huge benefits at the moment, because for the US to increase their submarine production they have to adopt additive manufacturing (3D printing), and the budgets they’ve got in the US for adopting additive are enormous – they’re making huge investments in trying to bring the technology on stream.” US Navy officials have stated that America’s submarine construction program is behind schedule, and falling well behind the rate needed to supply Australia under the AUKUS schedule. Mr Ebert said 3D printing was being seen as part of the solution to fast tracking production, and having a physical presence in the US was a key advantage for AML3D. “I think there’s always going to be a strong preference to manufacture in the US for the US,” he said. “When Trump comes in, that re-shoring of manufacturing and building up local manufacturing capacity and capability is going to be at the forefront of his mandate. “For Australian suppliers, I think it would be wise to have some form of manufacturing capacity over in the US, close to where they are, because they do have a preference to work local.” See https://lnkd.in/gahuX7pm #AUKUS Michael Sharpe The Special Office for AUKUS connects business across nations, with hubs in: Rogers, Arkansas: Aerospace and advanced manufacturing. Kennedy Space Center, Florida: Space manufacturing. Maryland Technology Center: Defense and innovation. Groton, Connecticut: Submarine sector expertise. See the latest edition of AUKUS Forum News here https://lnkd.in/gb4hd79B