The Australian Government will invest over AUD100 million to boost the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) drone capability, providing the military with cutting-edge lethal and non-lethal capabilities.
The acquisition of two small uncrewed aerial systems (SUAS), the Quantum-Systems Vector 2-in-1 and the Sypaq Systems CorvoX, will bolster the ADF’s ability to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance and augment the ADF’s existing stock of drones, including those with multiple payload options. Both incoming systems can be deployed as a complement to crewed systems.
The two new SUAS will be delivered in 2025 as Defence continues expediting the acquisition of new drones while continuing to trial low-cost, expendable, uncrewed and autonomous systems capable of production at scale and able to operate in contested warfighting environments. This approach will add to the more than 20 drone systems already acquired, including models that have been in service for more than a decade and platforms with multiple payload options.
“The delivery of these uncrewed aerial systems in 2025, within a year of project approval, is a significant demonstration of Defence and industry’s strong partnership and intent to enhance the speed at which we introduce capabilities in support of current and future Defence requirements,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.
The partnership with Quantum Systems and Sypaq Systems is expected to create at least 30 jobs in Brisbane and Melbourne.
The 2024 Integrated Investment Program includes investment in a range of uncrewed and autonomous systems that can work together and complement crewed systems on a range of missions that will support the strategy of denial, hold potential adversaries at risk and increase the potency of ADF capabilities. The Australian Government is investing more than AUD10 billion on drones, including at least AUD4.3 billion on uncrewed aerial systems and AUD690 million on uncrewed tactical systems for Army.
