Australian government introduces new counter-UAS regulations and capabilities

The Australian government has set up a new industry panel to advise Defence and other Australian Government agencies on counter small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) services, while also updating Defence regulations to enhance counter-UAS capabilities.

The Albanese Government has enacted the Defence Amendment (Counter-UXS Measures) Regulations 2025 to strengthen our national security by protecting ADF personnel, assets and facilities, said the government in a press release. “The amended Regulations give authority for Defence, in support of our law enforcement agencies, to detect and disable or destroy drones that are suspected of posing a threat to Australian Defence Force (ADF) assets and establishments.”

The Defence Project Land 156 Standing Offer Panel will support Defence and other Australian Government agencies in safeguarding critical infrastructure and operations within Australia.

The initiative represents a significant opportunity for industry to contribute to national security by competing for a diverse range of work across multiple Government agencies.

The first 28 companies selected to the Panel are:

  • Advanced Design Technology Pty Ltd
  • Anduril Australia Pty Ltd
  • Australian Systems Research Pty Ltd Trading as ASR Defence
  • Axon Public Safety Pty Ltd
  • Beca Pty Ltd
  • Codarra Advanced Systems Pty Ltd
  • Cubic Defence Australia Pty Ltd
  • DEWC Services Pty Ltd
  • Droneshield Group Pty Ltd
  • EPE OCEANIA Pty Ltd Trading as Explosive Protective Equipment (EPE)
  • HENSOLDT Australia Pty Ltd
  • HighCom Technology Pty Ltd
  • Insitec Pty Ltd
  • Integrated Frontline Services Pty Ltd
  • JVAT Solutions Pty Ltd
  • Leidos Australia Pty Ltd
  • Key Options Pty Ltd
  • L3HARRIS Space and Airborne Systems Australia Pty Ltd
  • NOVA Systems Pty Ltd
  • Protegas Australia Pty Ltd
  • QINETIQ Pty Ltd
  • Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd
  • SAAB Australia Pty Ltd
  • SME Gateway Pty Ltd
  • Solinnov Pty Ltd
  • SYPAQ Systems Pty Ltd
  • Systems Planning and Analysis Australia Pty Ltd
  • SYSTRA ANZ Pty Ltd

Additional suppliers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

According to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy: ““This panel will help us to stay ahead of rapidly evolving drone and counter-drone technology. It will build on the contracts already announced as part of Land 156 to address the increasing threat of drones in modern warfare and will enhance Australia’s capacity to respond to emerging drone threats.”

For more information

https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2026-01-29/government-boosts-response-drone-threats

(Image: Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy)

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