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Press Release:EDGE Defence Expands Partnership with SH Defence to Australia, Strengthening Trans-Tasman Defence Collaboration

  • Writer: John Gell
    John Gell
  • Dec 5
  • 3 min read

Sydney, Australia – 5 December 2025

EDGE Defence Ltd, a New Zealand-based defence technology company, has announced the establishment of its Australian subsidiary, EDGE Defence Pty Ltd, with offices on Sydney’s North Shore. This strategic expansion extends EDGE Defence’s partnership with SH Defence (part of SH Group A/S, Denmark), granting the company agency rights to represent SH Defence across the entire Australian territory.

EDGE and SH Defence now operate across NZ, Australia and the pacific islands to deliver modular, interoperable capability
EDGE and SH Defence now operate across NZ, Australia and the pacific islands to deliver modular, interoperable capability

The move builds on EDGE Defence’s existing role as SH Defence’s appointed agent for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Together, the companies are now positioned to provide both the Australian Defence Force (ADF), New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and our Indopacific partners with modular, interoperable, and future-ready mission systems that align with the ADF’s Integrated Investment Program (IIP) and the NZDF Defence Capability Plan 2025.


Building a Sovereign and Interoperable Future

The expansion into Australia underscores a shared trans-Tasman commitment to strengthening regional maritime capability through sustainable, sovereign partnerships. EDGE Defence Pty Ltd will deliver SH Defence’s Cube™ Modular Mission System, skidding and handling solutions, launch and recovery systems, and the company’s growing range of naval mission equipment, ensuring both nations can deploy interoperable solutions at pace.

John Gell, General Manager of EDGE Defence Ltd, commented:

“By establishing EDGE Defence Pty Ltd and extending our partnership with SH Defence into Australia, we are reaffirming our commitment to long-term collaboration between our nations. Our goal is to ensure that New Zealand and Australia can field capability systems that are modular, rapidly deployable, and fully interoperable - not just across platforms, but across allied forces.”

He added that this expansion directly supports key strategic goals outlined in the 2024 Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and the ADF’s Maritime Domain Strategy, both of which emphasize modularity, resilience, and integration with partner nations.


Left: Peter Liisberg (SH Defence Sales Director) picutred with John Gell (centre, Edge Defence GM) and Andrew Edwards (right, Edge Defence Director) at the recent IndoPacific 2025 event in Sydney, Australia
Left: Peter Liisberg (SH Defence Sales Director) picutred with John Gell (centre, Edge Defence GM) and Andrew Edwards (right, Edge Defence Director) at the recent IndoPacific 2025 event in Sydney, Australia

Mine Warfare: A Case Study in Alignment

As both the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) seek to modernize their undersea warfare and maritime protection capabilities, the SH Defence Mine Laying System has emerged as a prime candidate for near-term integration.

Mr Gell noted:

“The SH Defence Cube-based sea-Mine Laying System represents the kind of modular, scalable capability that modern navies are calling for. It allows the RAN to expand mine warfare capability swiftly and cost-effectively, in full alignment with Australia’s renewed focus on undersea warfare and maritime denial operations.”
With The Cube™ system, a Navy can turn any vessel of opportunity into effective mine layers in days or even a few hours
With The Cube™ system, a Navy can turn any vessel of opportunity into effective mine layers in days or even a few hours

This capability aligns closely with the ADF’s recent emphasis on maritime strike and area denial systems under the Defence Integrated Investment Program, and with NZDF’s focus on enhancing maritime domain awareness and multi-role flexibility under the 2025 Capability Plan.


Positioned at the Heart of Australian Maritime Industry

EDGE Defence Pty Ltd’s new Sydney base provides proximity to Australia’s maritime decision-makers and the RAN’s sustainment and innovation ecosystem. The company will act as a regional integration hub, supporting through-life sustainment, local training, and Australian industry participation - ensuring that capability delivery meets the standards of both nations’ sovereign industrial base policies.

“Our trans-Tasman presence symbolises not just business growth but alliance strengthening,” said Gell. “It is a clear statement that EDGE Defence and SH Defence are committed to a long-term, sustainable partnership that delivers global technology through local capability.”
EDGE Defence's MODUS AUV - a modular, deployable workshop blended with C2 delivers sustainment solution to nearly any location worldwide
EDGE Defence's MODUS AUV - a modular, deployable workshop blended with C2 delivers sustainment solution to nearly any location worldwide

About EDGE Defence Ltd

EDGE Defence Ltd is a New Zealand-based defence innovation company developing and integrating modular mission systems, autonomous vessels, and containerised infrastructure solutions for defence and security clients across the Pacific. EDGE Defence Pty Ltd serves as the company’s Australian legal entity.


About SH Defence

SH Defence, part of SH Group A/S (Denmark), is the developer of the Cube™ System; a modular mission platform that enables navies to rapidly configure vessels for multiple operational roles including mine warfare, ISR, special operations, and humanitarian support.


Media Enquiries:


EDGE Defence Pty Ltd

Primary Contact: John Gell - General Manager

Phone +64 9 302 113


SH Defence (SH Group A/S)

Primary Contact: Peter Liisberg - Sales Director

Email: pl@shdefence.com |

Phone: +45 4070 3523

 
 
 

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