Government invests in counter-drone capabilities for Defence Force

The Australian Government is accelerating the acquisition of counter-drone capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to protect personnel and military assets as part of a $1.3 billion investment over the next 10 years.

Just six months after the establishment of Project LAND 156 to continuously deliver counter-drone capabilities for the ADF, the government appointed Leidos Australia as the project’s Systems Integration Partner in a contract valued at $45.9 million. Leidos Australia will deliver and evolve the ADF’s Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft System capability, which will address the increasing threat of drones in modern warfare, supporting the ADF’s current and future operational requirements.

The government said it has adopted a continuous modernisation model as part of this project, ensuring the ADF will have access to cutting-edge capabilities as they’re developed. Indeed, the project has already seen the rapid introduction of at least 120 of the world’s most capable threat detectors and drone-defeating technologies.

The investment is set to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, with the Australian Army planned to undertake an initial rapid demonstration of a minimum viable counter-drone capability by December 2025. This will include:

• an Australian command and control capability — the Cortex Command and Control System, developed by Acacia Systems;
• an Australian effector system, delivered by EOS Defence Systems;
• an Australian sensor system, delivered by Department 13;
• additional sensor and effector systems; and
• services including systems integration and capability assurance, which will be delivered in Australia by Australians.
   

The government confirmed that the vast majority of the work under Project LAND 156 will be delivered by Australian companies, supporting over 160 Australian jobs and creating up to 80 new jobs. The open architecture approach to the project means more companies can be integrated in the future, providing more opportunities for the Australian supply chain.

“The structure of Project LAND 156 will ensure Australia stays ahead of the evolution cycle in relation to counter-drone technology, giving the ADF the capabilities it needs,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.

“Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping our ADF members safe, and that’s why the government is ensuring our soldiers, sailors and aviators are provided with the best technology to protect them.”

Image caption: Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy with Paul Chase, Chief Executive of Leidos Australia and Asia; Alex Rothwell, Assistant Secretary Electromagnetic Warfare and Intelligence Systems; Carline Dawson, Vice President of Land & Sea Systems; Gav Rawlins, First Assistant Secretary Joint Systems; and Brigadier Kurt Brown, Director General Systems and Integration. Photographer: Rodney Braithwaite.

Originally published here.