The ADA was formed in collaboration with S.A.'s Defence Teaming Centre (DTC) and W.A.’s Henderson Alliance to offer united and professionally managed advocacy, strategic governance and policy support. Each of the founding bodies will continue to operate independently and work together to achieve their common goal of supporting the Defence Industry in Australia.

ADA’s collaborative approach is designed to connect supply chain opportunities to local capability and capacity. Australian SMEs have much to offer the defence industry in acquisition, sustainment and exporting. The need for strategic and professional representation for industry drove the formation of the ADA, which will be a collective voice to the government on behalf of SMEs.

The Centre for Defence Industry Capability (CDIC) supports Australian businesses entering or working in defence industry navigate the defence market. It provides specialist advice on improving competitiveness and accessing global markets, and facilitates connections with other businesses and Defence. The CDIC also links Australian innovators and researchers to the Defence Innovation Hub and the Next Generation Technologies Fund.

ADA works in close partnership with the Victorian Government to facilitate and streamline the delivery of support to members. In addition ADA and the Victorian Government collaborate on many levels including important trade events, and SME advocacy.

ADA works closely with CASG, Defence Export Office, Defence Export Controls Office, Systems Program Offices and Minister for Defence Industry's office. This collaboration provides ADA members with accurate information directly from the Commonwealth as well as fostering two-way communication and collaboration across policy formation and implementation.

ADA has entered into an MOU establishing partnership, collaboration, capacity building, and market entry facilitation, with the Region Centre Val de Loire in France. Region Centre Val de Loire is the epicentre of defence land systems in France, and 70% of France’s defence land systems are developed in the region as well as a significant number of French aviation companies involved in defence aerospace.  France is the largest defence exporter in the EU and has the largest defence budget in the EU.