Australia is accelerating the development of counter-drone technology across the innovation, science and technology ecosystem by partnering with DroneShield to share vital research. Under a three-year bilateral collaborative research agreement, Defence, through the Defence Science and Technology Group, and DroneShield will share data on emerging drone technologies as well as access to test articles, ranges and facilities.
Research and development are the cornerstone of advancing next-generation defence capabilities, which are essential if Australia is to obtain a decisive edge in complex operational environments. Working together with industry to share counter-drone research delivers significant benefits for national security, helps drive innovation within the domestic defence sector and helps ensure sovereign capability in an increasingly contested technological environment.
Chief Defence Scientist Prof Tanya Monro said: “Defence is pleased to partner with DroneShield on development and data of emerging drone technologies. We know that counter-drone technology continues to evolve rapidly, by working together we can stay ahead of emerging threats and deliver innovative solutions that protect Australia’s interests. Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping our ADF members safe, and that’s why Defence is committed to working with industry so that we can ensure our soldiers, sailors and aviators are provided with the most advanced technology available.”
DroneShield said in a statement that through the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) the agreement establishes a framework for sharing data on emerging drone technologies and access to either parties test articles, ranges and facilities. This collaboration will leverage DSTG’s scientific expertise and DroneShield’s industry-leading counter-drone technology to ensure both organisations continue to deliver world-class solutions to emerging threats posed by new drones.
DroneShield has also announced the establishment of a $13 million R&D Hub in Adelaide for counter-drone technology, strategically located to enable closer collaboration with Defence and DSTG. This investment complements DroneShield’s previous R&D collaborations, such as with the DSTG-supported Defence Innovation Network that helped develop DroneOptID, DroneShield’s optical system for detection, identification and tracking of fast-moving drones.
Angus Bean, Chief Product Officer of DroneShield said, “This agreement represents an important step in advancing counter-drone technology not only for Defence but for DroneShield’s end-users globally. Working closely with DSTG allows us to combine our practical experience with their research expertise to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Australian Defence Force.”
DroneShield wins $21.7 million in Western military contracts
DroneShield announce that it has received a package of six standalone contracts for $21.7 million from an in-country reseller for delivery to a western military end-customer. The contracts are for the supply of dismounted counter-drone systems, spare kits, and software subscriptions. All items are readily available from existing inventories and it is expected delivery will be made in Q1 2026, with payment expected in Q2 2026. No additional material conditions need to be satisfied.
The reseller is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a multi-billion dollar, global, publicly listed company that is required to distribute the products to the western military end-customer. Over the past seven years, prior to this contract, DroneShield has received 39 contracts from this reseller totalling over $17.8 million.
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