I begin by also acknowledging the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.
As the Minister for Defence Industry, I also pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served our nation in the past and continue to do so today.
I'd like to thank Retired Air Commodore Terry Van Haren[i] for the invitation to join you today.
And thank Kacey Lam-Evans[ii] introduction.
It's great to be here with some of Australia's best drone racers, including those from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Drone Racing Team, fresh from their fourth victory in the Military International Drone Racing Tournament in May this year.
Australia has the world's best drone racers and companies producing world-leading drone technology, and a government committed to ensuring that the ADF can defend and protect Australia in the era of drone warfare.
The Albanese Government is investing more than $10 billion on drones over the next decade, including at least $4.3 billion on uncrewed aerial systems.
That includes $58 million in research, development and prototyping drones across the last three years.
The use of drones in all conflict zones clearly shows the nature of modern warfare has changed. And it shows that drone and counter-drone technology is evolving at an extraordinary pace.
And that's why the Albanese Government is accelerating the acquisition of cutting-edge drone and counter-drone technologies for the ADF, to keep Australian's safe and protect our military assets.
Just four months ago, we announced a project called LAND 156.
Today, as part of LAND 156, I am announcing an initial rolling wave of contracts worth $16.9 million to 11 vendors, including five Australian companies, to rapidly deliver counter-drone capability and technologies.
This will see some of the world's most capable threat detectors and drone-defeating platforms rapidly be introduced into service by the ADF.
This includes use of high energy laser (HEL), RF jamming and kinetic countermeasure effectors to neutralise Uncrewed Aerial System threats.
As part of this project, DroneShield has supplied its Drone Gun MKIV and RF Patrol system, which provides a lightweight detection and handheld jammer to disrupt the operations of drones.
The capabilities we have acquired under LAND 156 will of course complement the large array of drones already being used by the ADF, including armed drones.
It goes without saying that drone technology is extraordinary.
But it's the personnel who operate them who deliver the military advantage.
The ADF Drone Racing Team - established in 2017 - has 41 drone pilots, drawn from all trades and specialisations, who have a passion for coding, robotics and racing.
I hope the Tiny Whoop Championship inspires more people to take an interest in drones - and racing them.
I want to thank DroneShield for organising this event and showcasing to the Parliament the incredible ingenuity that goes into developing world-leading drone technology right here in Australia.
Thank you.
