Government boosts response to drone threats

The Albanese Government is accelerating efforts to develop cutting-edge counter-drone technology, teaming with industry to drive innovation, while also updating Defence regulations to keep Australians safe.

A new industry panel has been established to advise Defence and other Australian Government agencies on counter small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) services, enhancing Australia’s ability to detect, deter and respond to emerging drone threats.

The Albanese Government has also enacted the Defence Amendment (Counter-UXS Measures) Regulations 2025 to strengthen our national security by protecting ADF personnel, assets and facilities.

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.

Defence maintains a range of capabilities to engage with hostile drone technology, with the amendments set to better enable our capabilities to be employed in Australia where it is safe and reasonable to do so.

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.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping Australia safe, and that’s why the Australian Government is ensuring that Defence and other Government agencies will have access to the best technology.

“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.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“Drones are swiftly becoming a tool of choice for malicious actors across the globe. These regulations will better enable ADF personnel here at home to protect themselves, their assets and the bases in which they operate, which is critical to ensuring we maintain a ready and deployable Defence Force.

“Australia already has sophisticated capabilities to detect and counter drones. The Defence Amendment Regulations will ensure those tools can be used safely and responsibly, so we can respond quickly to threats and keep our communities safe.