Defence

Everything engineered for sovereign capability and future defence innovation.

Building the Future of Australia’s Defence Industry

Soto is ready to bring its engineering expertise, problem-solving capability, and compliance-driven approach to the defence industry. With a strong foundation in mechanical, structural, and pipework engineering, and a deep understanding of complex industrial systems, Soto is positioned to contribute to Australia’s sovereign defence capability.

As a member of the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) with NV1 clearances, and holding ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications, Soto is actively preparing to deliver engineering design, digital simulation, and sustainment services to support major defence contractors.

Soto’s experience in heavy industry, maritime engineering, and high-compliance environments makes it a natural partner for defence projects requiring precision, reliability, and compliance with strict regulatory frameworks.

Australian owned and operated

Supporting sovereign capability with Australian ingenuity. As an end-to-end design house, we manage every stage in-house for seamless delivery and quality assurance.

Experience meets innovation

26+ years of expertise in heavy industry, integrating cutting-edge engineering solutions with real-world experience.

Partnership approach

We prioritise outcomes over cost, delivering value-driven engineering solutions that align with your long-term success.

Soto: Transferrable Skills Defence Ready

Soto is not yet a major defence player, but it has the expertise, credentials, and problem-solving approach needed to contribute to Australia’s defence industry.

Defence-ready expertise

Experience in structural, mechanical, and digital engineering, directly transferable to defence applications.

Commitment to compliance

DISP membership, NV1 security clearances, and ISO-certified quality management systems.

Value-driven engineering

A focus on design optimisation, risk reduction, and long-term asset reliability.

Scalable and adaptable

Ready to support major contractors and defence infrastructure projects.

Everything Engineered for Defence Operations

Naval Platforms and Ship Systems Compliance and Engineering Support Digital Engineering and Systems Testing Sustainment and Logistics Support

Naval Platforms and Ship Systems

Delivering structural, mechanical, and pipework solutions that enhance vessel performance, durability, and mission readiness.

Structural and mechanical design for maritime platforms
Ship pipe systems, including cooling, fuel, and fluid handling
HVAC and environmental control systems for vessels
Engineering assessment reports (EARs) for naval components

Compliance and Engineering Support

Ensuring safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance through risk mitigation, structural engineering, and certification support.

Safe access systems and risk mitigation solutions
Fire barrier systems for defence safety standards compliance
Structural engineering for heavy seas and combat durability
Certification support and regulatory compliance assessments

Digital Engineering and Systems Testing

Applying advanced simulation, modelling, and testing to optimise defence asset performance before deployment.

3D modelling and complex system simulation
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural integrity validation
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for thermal and fluid performance testing
Digital testing and evaluation for defence system validation

Sustainment and Logistics Support

Providing engineering solutions for equipment readiness, lifecycle optimisation, and long-term asset integrity.

Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) for equipment readiness
Lifecycle analysis and predictive maintenance planning
Asset integrity assessments for long-term operational efficiency

Strengthening Sovereign Capability Through Accreditation and Strategic Partnerships

AIDN Membership – Supporting Australia’s Defence Industry Network

Soto is a proud member of the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN), an organisation dedicated to strengthening Australian SMEs within the defence sector. This membership ensures Soto remains connected to industry developments, collaboration opportunities, and advocacy efforts that promote sovereign capability. By working alongside other leading Australian defence suppliers, Soto continues to develop and deliver high-value engineering solutions that contribute to the nation’s defence supply chain.

DISP Accreditation – Meeting the Highest Standards of Security and Compliance

Soto is an approved participant in the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), a crucial accreditation for companies working within the Australian defence sector. This certification ensures that Soto meets Defence’s stringent security, governance, and compliance requirements, giving clients and partners confidence in Soto’s ability to handle sensitive projects with the highest level of integrity and security. This accreditation allows Soto to participate in classified projects, manage defence contracts securely, and uphold national security standards, further reinforcing its role as a trusted sovereign defence partner.

Strategic Partnership with ADROITA – Enhancing Defence Engineering Capabilities

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ADROITA, Soto strengthens its ability to support complex defence projects across naval, land, and aerospace domains. ADROITA’s expertise in defence consulting and program management, combined with Soto’s precision engineering and digital capability, enables both companies to deliver integrated solutions that drive efficiency, innovation, and long-term capability growth for Australia’s defence sector.

Navantia Australia – Engineering for Advanced Naval Defence

Soto’s MOU with Navantia Australia reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality engineering solutions for the Royal Australian Navy. As a global leader in naval shipbuilding, Navantia Australia relies on trusted local partners like Soto to provide specialist Structural, Mechanical, and Pipework (SMP) engineering services that enhance vessel performance, sustainment, and operational readiness. This partnership aligns with the broader goal of strengthening Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability, ensuring that key naval assets are supported by locally driven expertise and innovation.

Engineering for Future Defence Opportunities

As Australia strengthens its sovereign defence capability, Soto is actively aligning its expertise with the evolving needs of defence contractors, infrastructure providers, and mission-critical projects. With a strong foundation in high-compliance industries, Soto is prepared to deliver engineering solutions that enhance safety, reliability, and operational performance.

Structural engineering

Robust, combat-ready designs that withstand extreme conditions, enhance durability, and ensure mission-critical performance.

Mechanical engineering

Precision-engineered systems for ship platforms, HVAC, and mechanical assets, optimised for efficiency and operational readiness.

Pipework engineering

Specialist pipework solutions for fuel, cooling, and fluid handling systems, designed to meet defence safety and regulatory standards.

Expert Engineering & Digital Validation

Providing precision design, simulation, and digital validation of defence assets to optimise reliability and performance.

Sustainment & Life-Cycle Support

Engineering long-term sustainment strategies to enhance asset longevity and mission readiness.

Compliance-Driven Defence Solutions

Delivering solutions that meet stringent Australian defence standards and regulatory requirements.

Projects

Soto has worked with leading companies in resources, energy, and infrastructure, providing engineering solutions that enhance operational efficiency and compliance.

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SOTO ensures Tahmoor critical assets are safe and reliable

Mining