Australia’s Department of Defence is accelerating counter-UAS research through a new three-year Bilateral Collaborative Research Agreement between the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and DroneShield.
Under the agreement, DSTG and DroneShield will share data on emerging UAS technologies and provide access to test articles, ranges and facilities. The collaboration is intended to strengthen research and development across Australia’s defence innovation ecosystem as drone threats continue to evolve.
In parallel with the agreement, DroneShield announced it will establish a $13 million R&D hub in Adelaide focused on counter-UAS technology. The location is intended to enable closer coordination with Defence and DSTG.
The investment builds on earlier collaborative efforts, including work supported by the DSTG-backed Defence Innovation Network, which contributed to the development of DroneOptID, DroneShield’s optical system designed for detection, identification and tracking of fast-moving drones.
“We know that counter-drone technology continues to evolve rapidly; by working together we can stay ahead of emerging threats and deliver innovative solutions that protect Australia’s interests,” said Professor Tanya Monro AC, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist.
“Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping our ADF members safe, and that’s why Defence is committed to working with industry so that we can ensure our soldiers, sailors and aviators are provided with the most advanced technology available.”
Australia’s DoD described research and development as the cornerstone of advancing next-generation defence capabilities necessary to maintain an edge in complex operational environments.
Angus Bean, Chief Product Officer of DroneShield, said the agreement would have broader implications beyond domestic programs:
“This agreement represents an important step in advancing counter-drone technology not only for Defence but for DroneShield’s end-users globally,” he said. “Working closely with DSTG allows us to combine our practical experience with their research expertise to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Australian Defence Force.”
Defence stated that sharing counter-UAS research with industry partners supports national security objectives, drives domestic innovation and helps maintain sovereign capability in an increasingly contested technological landscape.
Each year, C-UAS Hub breaks down the counter-UAS capabilities of a range of nations from across the globe in our counter-UAS capabilities report, including key nations in the Indo-Pacific region such as Australia. Counter-UAS has become a key focus for many nations in the region, which has prompted SAE Media group to expand its series of counter-UAS conferences with Counter UAS Indo-Pacific, which will convene in October to bring together key figures in the counter-drone space from across industry, government and military.
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Post Image Credit: DSTG
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