AI Defence Firm Arkeus Moves to Queensland in $25 Million Expansion Deal

The Queensland Government has secured a major boost for the state's defence and advanced manufacturing sectors, with fast-growing defence technology company Arkeus set to relocate its operations from Victoria to the Gold Coast.

The move is expected to create dozens of highly skilled jobs while strengthening Queensland's position as a national hub for sovereign defence capability and emerging technology.

Arkeus specialises in AI-powered sensing systems designed to help autonomous platforms such as drones detect, track and respond to threats in real time. The technology is already being used by defence customers including the Australian Department of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defense.

The company's relocation follows a $25 million global investment round backed by Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), with support from the Crisafulli Government helping secure the deal for Queensland.

The new Gold Coast base will allow Arkeus to significantly increase manufacturing capacity as demand grows across Australia, the United States and Europe.

Queensland leaders say the agreement highlights the state's growing reputation as an attractive destination for defence, innovation and advanced manufacturing investment.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the relocation demonstrated Queensland's ability to attract globally competitive industries.

She said the state was positioning itself as a leader in defence manufacturing and sovereign capability at a time when international security demands were rapidly evolving.

The Minister also pointed to Queensland's skilled workforce and lifestyle advantages as key factors helping attract high-growth companies and talent.

Arkeus CEO Simon Olsen said establishing manufacturing operations on the Gold Coast would accelerate the company's ability to deliver advanced defence capability to customers around the world.

He said the region offered access to high-quality engineering expertise and an expanding advanced manufacturing ecosystem that would support the company's next phase of growth.

Mr Olsen said Arkeus technology combines advanced sensing with onboard artificial intelligence to enable autonomous systems to understand and react to complex environments in real time, including in contested conditions where traditional systems may struggle.

He said Queensland's support for innovation and manufacturing provided a strong platform for the company to scale production and continue developing globally competitive Australian-made defence technology.

The $25 million Series A capital raise was led by QIC Ventures, with participation from new investors R+ VC, Folklore Ventures and Dyne Ventures, alongside continued backing from existing investors Main Sequence Ventures, Salus Ventures and Beaten Zone.