The federal authorities is stepping up efforts to develop and deploy superior counter-drone expertise, working intently with Australian trade whereas updating Defence rules to strengthen nationwide safety and public security.
A brand new trade advisory panel has been established to help Defence and different Australian authorities companies with counter small uncrewed aerial methods companies.
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The panel will present recommendation and entry to capabilities designed to detect, deter and reply to rising drone threats, each to Defence property and to crucial infrastructure throughout Australia.
On the similar time, the federal government has enacted the Defence Modification (Counter-UXS Measures) Laws 2025, increasing Defence’s authority to reply to hostile or suspicious drone exercise.
The up to date rules enable Defence, in help of regulation enforcement companies, to detect, disable or, the place mandatory, destroy drones suspected of posing a menace to Australian Defence Drive personnel, services or operations.
Defence already operates a variety of counter-drone capabilities, and the regulatory adjustments are meant to make sure these instruments can be utilized inside Australia when it’s protected and affordable to take action.
The federal government stated the amendments will enhance Defence’s potential to guard its folks and property whereas sustaining applicable safeguards.
The brand new Defence Challenge LAND 156 Standing Provide Panel will underpin this effort, enabling Defence and different authorities companies to entry trade experience to safeguard crucial infrastructure and ongoing operations.
The initiative additionally creates a major alternative for Australian and worldwide firms to contribute on to nationwide safety by way of work throughout a number of authorities portfolios.
Minister for Defence Trade, Pat Conroy, stated: “This panel will assist us keep forward of quickly evolving drone and counter-drone applied sciences. It builds on contracts already introduced beneath LAND 156 to deal with the rising menace posed by drones in fashionable warfare.”
An preliminary group of 28 firms has been chosen to affix the panel, spanning a broad vary of defence, aerospace, expertise and safety specialists. Further suppliers are anticipated to be introduced within the coming weeks, with the present listing of firms together with:
Anduril Australia
Cubic Defence Australia
DEWC Companies
DroneShield Group
HENSOLDT Australia
HighCom Expertise
Leidos Australia
L3Harris House and Airborne Programs Australia
Nova Programs
Raytheon Australia
Saab Australia
SYPAQ Programs
“Counter-drone expertise is crucial to preserving Australia protected, and that’s why the federal government is making certain Defence and different companies have entry to one of the best accessible expertise,” Minister Conroy stated.
Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, stated the up to date rules have been important to defending ADF personnel at dwelling.
“Drones are quickly turning into a device of selection for malicious actors around the globe,” he stated.
“These adjustments will higher allow ADF personnel in Australia to guard themselves, their property and the bases they function from, which is significant to sustaining a prepared and deployable Defence Drive.
“Australia already has refined capabilities to detect and counter drones. The amended rules guarantee these capabilities can be utilized safely and responsibly, permitting us to reply rapidly to threats and maintain our communities protected.”
