Australia commits up to A$7 billion for counter-drone ops

The Australian government will more than double investment in counter drones for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with up to $7 billion allocated under the Integrated Investment Program (IIP) over the next decade. As part of the major boost in investment, the government today announced two initial contracts for Aussie made next-generation counter‑drone platforms. The investment is part of the government’s plan to spend billions more on drone and counter drone platforms over the decade, in line with the recently‑released 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program. With the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East showing how uncrewed aerial systems are increasingly being employed in conflict, the development of sovereign counter-drone solutions is essential to ensure the ADF can detect, assess and respond to these threats. The initial investments of $21.3 million in AIM Defence and $10.4 million in SYPAQ Systems has been awarded through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Mission Syracuse. This will enable AIM Defence to further enhance the capability and combat readiness of its high-powered counter-drone laser system, Fractl, to counter individual and swarms of drones. This portable high energy laser system is capable of tracking objects as small as a 10-cent piece at more than 100kph and powerful enough to burn through steel. SYPAQ Systems will build on their expertise in affordable, high performance uncrewed air vehicles to develop the Corvo Strike, an interceptor drone designed to track, target and destroy larger drones now commonly employed on battlefields. ASCA will also facilitate the integration of these systems into the ADF’s existing control system being delivered under LAND156. While Australia’s unique geography has driven a focus on larger drones, the government’s efforts under Mission Syracuse will accelerate the deployment of advanced capabilities designed to counter medium‑sized drones and swarms of small drones that personnel could encounter in complex operational environments abroad or while protecting people and infrastructure domestically. The government has allocated up to $22 billion for drone, counter-drone and autonomous system technologies over the decade in the 2026 Integrated Investment Program. Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy said: “The Albanese Government is building a stronger and more resilient defence industry through investing in Australian innovation, skills and disruptive technologies that will keep Australians safe. The Government’s record investment in defence through the 2026 Integrated Investment Program includes record investment in drone and counter-drone capabilities – ensuring Australia can respond to threats to Australia’s security. With the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East showing how uncrewed aerial systems are increasingly being employed in conflict, the development of sovereign counter-drone solutions is essential to ensure the Australian Defence Force can detect, assess and respond to these threats.” Head Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Major General Hugh Meggitt ssaid: “Mission Syracuse will exploit Australian industry’s world leading expertise in kinetic and directed energy to find, fix, track, target and engage Uncrewed Arial Vehicles (UAVs). It will significantly enhance the ADF’s ability to counter the threat posed by UAVs employed by malicious actors; domestically and abroad.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]