Defence equipment and weapons

Since World War I, the Australian military has developed, tested and used defence equipment and weapons. During the Cold War, Australia allowed nuclear weapons testing and launched a satellite.

Records

Each record focuses on a single item from the National Archives' collection. Some records contain extra information to help you interpret them.

Record

Winston Churchill on the situation in the Pacific and the return of Australian troops to defend Australia

This is an extract from a speech to the House of Commons on 27 January 1942 by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Record

Woman working in a munitions factory during the Second World War

This is a black-and-white photograph of a woman working in an unidentified munitions factory in 1940.