QinetiQ has announced the acquisition of three defence companies in Australia – Ball Solutions Group Pty Ltd, Novare Services Pty Ltd and Aerostructures Group.  These acquisitions represent QinetiQ's first investment in Australia and are in line with its strategy to expand its geographical footprint into defence markets outside the UK and the US.

The acquisitions will provide QinetiQ with a regional presence of 288 staff in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

QinetiQ is a leading international defence and security technology company. QinetiQ develops innovative technology-based solutions and products and provides technology-rich support services for major government organisations, such as the UK Ministry of Defence, the US Department of Defense, and now the Australian Department of Defence and for commercial customers around the world.

Novare Services (now QinetiQ Novare)
Novare was established in 2002 to provide explosive ordnance consultancy services to the Australian Department of Defence following the identification of a gap in the Australian market for these services.  The company is headquartered in Brisbane with staff at two further locations in Canberra and Sydney.  Its two main customers within the Defence Materiel Organisation are the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance branch and Guided Weapons Acquisition branch.

Aerostructures Group (now QinetiQ Aerostructures)
AeroStructures’ principle business is the engineering analysis and assessment of aircraft and helicopter structures with emphasis on structural integrity management and airframe life extension. The business also delivers specialist engineering professional development training in Australia, New Zealand and Asia and undertakes Non Destructive Testing (NDT) management, design and inspection services. AeroStructures has offices in South Melbourne, Victoria (Head Office); Port Melbourne, Victoria; Williamtown, New South Wales; and Oakey, Queensland.

Ball Solutions Group (now QinetiQ Consulting)
Ball Solutions Group was established in Australia 1996 and provides professional and consulting services primarily within the defence sector. The company provides strategic and operational consulting as well as services in business planning, process improvement, life cycle costing, supply chain management, performance management, capability management, speciality engineering, and systems integration. The company is headquartered in Canberra and has nine further locations across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia. Most of Ball Solution’s revenue is sourced direct from the Department of Defence, primarily within the aerospace domain.