Perth has become the centre of Australia’s defence industry this week as the Land Forces 2026 International Land Defence Exposition officially begins at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The three-day event is being held from 6 to 8 October and is making its Perth debut after previous editions were staged in other Australian cities. The expo has attracted defence organisations, industry representatives and government delegations from Australia and overseas.

The event is expected to bring representatives from 60 countries and almost 1,000 exhibiting organisations to Western Australia. The exhibition is designed to showcase land-defence equipment, technology, advanced manufacturing capabilities and other military-related systems while creating opportunities for Australian companies to develop international partnerships and contracts. Event organisers say hundreds of Australian companies and organisations are participating, giving local industry an opportunity to promote its capabilities to an international audience.

For the Western Australian government, hosting the event is being presented as an important opportunity to strengthen the state's defence industry and attract future investment. Delegates attending the expo are also expected to visit defence and technology facilities elsewhere in the Perth region, including Henderson and the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct at Neerabup. The government hopes those visits will help showcase Western Australia's growing role in defence, advanced manufacturing and related technologies.

Security around the event has also become a major issue. Western Australian authorities have introduced temporary special police powers covering designated areas around the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre and nearby parts of the city. The powers allow police to establish checkpoints and cordons and to search people, bags and vehicles in designated security areas. They are intended to remain in effect through 10 October.

The increased security follows concerns about protests and clashes associated with the previous Land Forces event in Melbourne in 2024. Anti-war groups have announced demonstrations in Perth, while police and authorities have said they want to ensure that protests remain peaceful and that attendees, workers and the wider community remain safe. Some people have been subject to exclusion orders, while legal challenges and discussions over protest rights have continued.

Public transport authorities have also warned Perth commuters that a planned CBD protest on Tuesday evening could affect numerous bus routes and CAT services between approximately 5:30pm and 6:30pm. Passengers have been advised to allow additional travel time because some services may experience delays or temporary diversions.

With the expo running until Thursday, Perth is expected to remain a major meeting point for defence businesses, government representatives and international delegates. The event is likely to generate further discussion about Australia's defence industry, investment, technology and the balance between public safety and the right to protest.