en.Wedoany.com Reported - Image sensing systems manufacturer Arkeus has opened an advanced manufacturing facility in Ormeau, Queensland, Australia, aimed at increasing production of its AI-driven defense sensing systems. The expansion project received A$1.48 million in funding from the Queensland Government's Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF).
The new facility was officially inaugurated by Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie MP and Coomera electorate member Michael Crandon MP. According to Arkeus, the facility is expected to increase the company's manufacturing capacity by 20 times, primarily producing AI sensing systems designed for autonomous defense platforms used by Australian and allied defense customers.
Deputy Premier Bleijie stated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that this investment is part of Queensland's broader strategy to strengthen sovereign industrial capabilities. He noted that the A$180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund aims to build sovereign capabilities across the state, having announced multiple major projects in defense, biofuels, and biomedicine. The A$1.48 million awarded to Arkeus will be used to build sovereign capabilities in drones and sensors, helping Queensland establish authority in the global defense sector.
Arkeus stated that the Ormeau facility was established after completing a A$25 million Series A funding round in May 2026, as part of the company's overall plan to build advanced manufacturing capabilities in both Queensland and the United States, support sovereign defense capabilities, and accelerate system delivery.
Founder and CEO Simon Olsen said the facility will support the company's next phase of growth. Olsen stated that Arkeus is leveraging SIDF funding to establish an advanced manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast, adding new production and repair capabilities for dedicated AI optical sensors to significantly scale manufacturing and meet growing demand from Australian and U.S. defense agencies. The company sees "significant opportunities to strengthen Queensland's sovereign capabilities in advanced defense manufacturing, expand export markets, and create local technology jobs."
According to Arkeus, the expansion has already recruited four senior Queensland employees, including Global Vice President of Manufacturing Andrew Sim. The company plans to expand its Queensland workforce to up to 50 people over the next few years.
Arkeus stated that its core technology includes hyperspectral optical radar systems that can simultaneously capture multiple layers of visual data, enabling artificial intelligence to detect, classify, and track targets in different operational environments, including conditions where traditional sensing systems may be less effective. The company said its systems are designed to process data in real time, supporting faster decision-making without relying on remote communications or external processing.
