The Australian government announced details today, April 21, of its plans to more than double investment in counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with up to AUD 7 billion allocated under the Integrated Investment Program (IIP) over the next decade. The announcement is in line with the recently‑released 2026 National Defence Strategy and IIP.
As part of this investment, the government today announced two contracts for Australian-made C-UAS platforms. The initial investments of AUD 21.3 million in AIM Defence and AUD 10.4 million in SYPAQ Systems has been awarded through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Mission Syracuse.
The funding will enable AIM Defence to develop the capability and combat readiness of its high-powered C-UAS laser system, Fractl, to counter individual and swarms of drones. Meanwhile, SYPAQ Systems will develop the Corvo Strike, an interceptor drone designed to track, target and destroy larger drones.
ASCA will also facilitate the integration of these systems into the ADF’s existing control system being delivered under the LAND 156 programme.
The Australian government has allocated up to AUD 22 billion for drone, counter-drone and autonomous system technologies over the decade in the 2026 IIP.
“With the war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East showing how uncrewed aerial systems are increasingly being employed in conflict, the development of sovereign counter-drone solutions is essential to ensure the Australian Defence Force can detect, assess and respond to these threats,” said Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy.
For more information
Ministers for Defence – Australia
Image: Official photograph of Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry
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