Defence exports industry under question

World Vision has questioned the Turnbull government's push to turn Australia into a major weapons manufacturer and exporter.

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne is driving new initiatives to involve manufacturers and researchers in going beyond the domestic market to seize opportunities overseas.

World Vision Australia chief advocate Tim Costello said it came at a time when the government was cutting humanitarian aid.

"The government says this is an export and investment opportunity, but we would be exporting death and profiting from bloodshed," Mr Costello said in a statement on Monday.

"Is that what we want Australia to be known for?"

He said the war in Syria, now in its seventh year, would not have lasted more than a year without armaments profiteering.