SAME Australia: Strengthening AUKUS collaboration and defence engineering capability
The Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) has officially launched its Australian Chapter – backed by Austability Australia – marking a significant milestone in defence collaboration across the Indo-Pacific.
SAME Australia will serve as a strategic platform to support AUKUS Pillar Two initiatives and foster deeper cooperation between Australia and the United States in particular, in advancing military capabilities, engineering, and national security.
The inaugural President of SAME Australia – and Managing Director of Austability Australia – Ben Khandan says it’s been an honour to help bring SAME to Australia.
“This chapter will connect Australia’s deep engineering and defence expertise to global conversations, while supporting efforts that promote peace and security across the Indo-Pacific.
“SAME Australia will be a catalyst for collaboration—sharing knowledge, building capability, and strengthening the AUKUS alliance through practical, technical, and strategic engagement,” Mr Khandan said.
The launch comes at a time of unprecedented defence investment and cooperation.
In 2024, the United States oversaw $AUD179.8 billion in Foreign Military Sales globally, with Australia among its largest defence customers. Bilateral trade between Australia and the U.S. reached $AUD74 billion in 2024, with defence goods and services forming a significant component. (US department of State Australian Bureau of Statistics)
The Indo-Pacific region now accounts for 22% of global defence expenditures, driven by rising strategic tensions and the need for regional autonomy in defence innovation. Australia’s own defence budget has surged past $AUD50 billion annually, with an additional $AUD50.3 billion allocated over the next decade to enhance capabilities across Navy, Army, Air Force, cyber, and space domains.
Mr Khandan said SAME Australia act as a bridge.
“We’re here to deliver solutions, drive partnerships, and develop people. Given SAME’s network across the Indo-Pacific, not only into the US, this is about building a resilient, capable, and connected defence community that can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
The chapter’s founding board includes representatives from Austability, the US Navy, GHD, Ocebile, The Palladium Group, and AECOM.
