Victoria targeting defence contracts

Victoria is targeting defence contracts with a procurement office set up to win jobs for the state.

The Defence Procurement Office will be based at Deakin University's Geelong campus.

Premier Daniel Andrews says one of the targeted contracts is the Army's planned Land 400 combat vehicle project, which was designed in Victoria.

"I have written to all of those who are likely to be part of a tender, offering them the support and the assistance of the Victorian government," Mr Andrews told reporters on Wednesday.

"That's exactly what this Defence Procurement Office is all about."

Deakin's deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Professor Lee Astheimer, says the office will sit alongside some of the world's most innovative research facilities.

"Deakin's world-leading expertise, infrastructure and resources means the Geelong Defence Procurement office will have direct access to among the best advanced teaching, research and industry-focused developmental centres," Professor Astheimer said.

Victoria's defence industry has an annual turnover of about $1.5 billion, including more than 300 businesses and directly employing about 6000 people.