The Australian Defence Power drone racing crew has received the 2025 Australian Affiliation for Uncrewed Methods (AAUS) Social Impression Award.
The crew, which earlier this yr clinched a fifth straight championship on the Army Worldwide Drone Racing Match within the UK, received the award for its “distinctive contributions to Defence”, in addition to its broader mission.
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In response to the ADF, the award recognises the crew’s “engagement of science, expertise, engineering and arithmetic (STEM), promotion of uncrewed aerial techniques (UAS), profession pathways and public innovation via dynamic drone racing and training initiatives”.
“The crew has led the way in which in youth engagement and neighborhood outreach for eight years, creating curiosity in STEM and exposing younger Australians to potential careers in uncrewed aviation and robotics,” mentioned Defence.
“The crew combines cutting-edge expertise, robotics and aggressive sport to showcase the way forward for UAS innovation in civilian and defence sectors.”
The president of the ADF drone racing crew, Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, mentioned the award is “a testomony to the facility of engagement via innovation”.
“We’re not simply racing drones – we’re connecting with younger Australians, sparking their curiosity and displaying them {that a} future in aerospace, robotics or defence expertise is inside attain,” WGCDR Joyce mentioned.
“The ADF drone racing crew continues to encourage, educate and lead the subsequent technology of innovators.”
A complete of 43 pilots from Australia, the UK, New Zealand and the USA, plus new groups from Belgium, Germany and the Philippines, competed within the three-day Army Worldwide Drone Racing Match from 16 to 18 September this yr.
The ADF crew battled via a double elimination sequence with loads of mid-air crashes and fast repairs, however the Australian drone pilots’ precision, teamwork and consistency carried them throughout the end line and on to the rostrum as soon as once more.
Including to the success, the 2 quickest drone racers from the Australian Military Cadets competed within the Cadet/Youth class. The success of the cadet drone racers shows the thrilling expertise rising within the subsequent technology of drone racers.


