Australian police investigate attack on defence firm as suspected terrorism

Australia's Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) is investigating an attack on Melbourne-based defence manufacturer Lovitt Technologies as an alleged act of terrorism, saying it may have been carried out by far-left extremists motivated by anarchist and revolutionary ideologies.

Authorities released new images of the suspects accused of targeting the facility at about 3:55 a.m. on July 5, 2025. According to investigators, the attackers vandalized the business and set multiple vehicles on fire before fleeing the scene.

The JCTT alleges that an extremist group later posted a video online claiming responsibility for the attack. In the footage, the group's members were dressed in black hooded sweatshirts, backpacks and gloves.

Investigators said the video expressed opposition to the Australian government and included instructions on how to make an incendiary device similar to the one believed to have been used in the attack.

Police also said the alleged offenders voiced support for Palestine and targeted the company because they believed it formed part of the broader Australian Defence Force supply chain.

After the attack, the suspects allegedly fled through a rear fence and rode electric bicycles southwest along the Plenty River. Authorities have appealed to motorists who were in the area at the time and may have dashcam footage to come forward, while urging anyone with information about the suspects or the attack to contact police.

The JCTT — comprising the Australian Federal Police (AFP), Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) — is investigating whether the perpetrators were motivated by extremist far-left ideologies.

If convicted, the suspects could face life imprisonment on charges including engaging in a terrorist act and preparing or planning terrorist acts under Australia's Criminal Code.

AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall described the alleged attack as a serious offense and said investigators were making progress in identifying those responsible.

"We clearly have some information about these alleged offenders and are focused on identifying who they are," Hall said.

"At any time, we could be knocking on the door of the accused group. We know this is making some in the group anxious – and it should, because we are determined to bring them before the courts.

"These alleged offenders could be facing a significant term of imprisonment.

"We cannot overstate the seriousness of this criminality and the AFP, together with our partners, will not tolerate acts of terror motivated by extremist ideologies aiming to cause fear and anguish in our community."

Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Wheatfill said the attack posed a serious threat to public safety.

"All companies and their employees have the right to go about their daily business safely and securely. Community safety is paramount and continues to be a key focus of this investigation.

"That anyone would use such violent and dangerous methods to express a political or social viewpoint is unacceptable.

"Fire is dangerous and unpredictable and criminal offending of this nature – which has the potential to significantly impact our community and lead to deaths or serious injury – will not be tolerated."

By Vafa Guliyeva