Visionary Machines and Hanwha Defence Australia advance counter-drone capability Redback IFV

Australian counter-drone technology company Visionary Machines and Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) have entered into a new phase of joint development, assessing counter-drone sensing capability on HDA’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) using Visionary Machines’ Pandion™ Sentinel drone detection and tracking technology. Uncrewed aerial systems have become one of the most persistent threats facing land forces, changing how armies plan, move and fight on the modern battlefield. Global demand for counter-drone capability reflects that shift. For Visionary Machines and HDA, that growth curve represents a significant opportunity to assess sovereign Australian sensing technology integrated to a combat platform with a heritage proven on the international stage. The joint development activity is focused on exploring how Pandion™ Sentinel autonomous sensing capabilities could support force protection and situational awareness for land combat vehicles operating in increasingly complex environments. This work builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Visionary Machines, HDA and Hanwha Systems at the Avalon International Airshow in March 2025, which established a framework for identifying and developing opportunities that bring together Australian innovation and leading defence platforms. Through this relationship, the companies have been working together to assess how sovereign technologies can contribute to future defence capability outcomes. The activity reflects a shared commitment to advancing solutions that address emerging global threats, while supporting the continued growth of Australia’s sovereign defence industry. By combining Visionary Machines’ drone detection expertise with HDA’s Redback IFV, the companies are working to demonstrate the potential for enhanced counter-drone awareness in land combat environments. Visionary Machines Chief Executive Officer Sonny Foster said: “Drones now pose one of the most persistent threats to land forces anywhere in the world and this collaboration with Hanwha Defence Australia is about making sure Australia stays at the forefront of this innovation. For Visionary Machines, it’s a chance to demonstrate how sovereign Australian technology can be matched with a platform already proven on the international stage, and we’re pleased to be continuing that work with HDA.”  HDA Head of R&D Glenn Halupka, said: “The Redback has been designed with growth and adaptability in mind, enabling the integration of emerging technologies as operational requirements evolve. Through our collaboration with Visionary Machines, we are exploring how advanced Australian-developed sensing capabilities can be integrated with the Redback platform to address the growing challenge posed by unmanned aerial systems on the modern battlefield. By bringing together HDA’s experience in advanced land systems and Visionary Machines’ leadership in passive sensing technology, we are assessing new approaches to enhancing force protection, situational awareness and operational effectiveness.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]