The Albanese Government has accelerated the acquisition of counter-drone capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to protect personnel and military assets as part of a $1.3 billion investment over the next 10 years.
Just six months after the establishment of Project Land 156 to continuously deliver counter-drone capability for the ADF, the Australian Government has appointed Leidos Australia as the project's Systems Integration Partner in a contract valued at $45.9 million. The Government has adopted a continuous modernisation model as part of this project, ensuring the ADF will have access to cutting-edge capabilities as they're developed.
This builds on the contracts already announced by the Albanese Government as part of this project which have seen the rapid introduction of at least 120 of the world's most capable threat detectors and drone-defeating technologies.
Under the contract announced today, Leidos Australia will deliver and evolve the ADF's Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft System capability, which will address the increasing threat of drones in modern warfare. It will support the ADF's current and future operational requirements and enhance responsiveness to emerging drone threats.
The overwhelming majority of the work under Project Land 156 will be delivered by Australian companies, supporting over 160 Australian jobs and creating up to 80 new jobs. The open architecture approach to the project means more companies can be integrated in the future, providing more opportunities for the Australian supply chain.
This investment will accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Under this project, the Australian Army will undertake an initial rapid demonstration of a minimum viable counter-drone capability by December 2025, which will include:
An Australian command and control capability - the Cortex Command and Control System, developed by Acacia Systems;
An Australian effector system, delivered by EOS Defence Systems;
An Australian sensor system, delivered by Department 13;
Additional sensor and effector systems; and
Services including systems integration and capability assurance, which will be delivered in Australia by Australians.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
"This project is both a benchmark and a blueprint for how we continue to deliver speed to capability.
"The structure of Project Land 156 will ensure Australia stays ahead of the evolution cycle in relation to counter-drone technology, giving the ADF the capabilities it needs.
"Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping our ADF members safe, and that's why the Government is ensuring our soldiers, sailors and aviators are provided with the best technology to protect them."
