Government fast-tracks counter-drone capability, updates Defence laws
Defence Connect, Author: Stephen Kuper
The Albanese government is stepping up efforts to develop and deploy advanced counter-drone technology, working closely with Australian industry while updating Defence regulations to strengthen national security and public safety.
A new industry advisory panel has been established to support Defence and other Australian government agencies with counter small uncrewed aerial systems services.
The panel will provide advice and access to capabilities designed to detect, deter and respond to emerging drone threats, both to Defence assets and to critical infrastructure across Australia.
At the same time, the government has enacted the Defence Amendment (Counter-UXS Measures) Regulations 2025, expanding Defence’s authority to respond to hostile or suspicious drone activity.
The updated regulations allow Defence, in support of law enforcement agencies, to detect, disable or where necessary, destroy drones suspected of posing a threat to Australian Defence Force personnel, facilities or operations.
Defence already operates a range of counter-drone capabilities and the regulatory changes are intended to ensure those tools can be used within Australia when it is safe and reasonable to do so.
The government said the amendments will improve Defence’s ability to protect its people and assets while maintaining appropriate safeguards.
The new Defence Project LAND 156 Standing Offer Panel will underpin this effort, enabling Defence and other government agencies to access industry expertise to safeguard critical infrastructure and ongoing operations.
The initiative also creates a significant opportunity for Australian and international companies to contribute directly to national security through work across multiple government portfolios.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said counter-drone technology was becoming increasingly important to Australia’s security environment, stating, “This panel will help us stay ahead of rapidly evolving drone and counter-drone technologies. It builds on contracts already announced under LAND 156 to address the growing threat posed by drones in modern warfare.”
An initial group of 28 companies has been selected to join the panel, spanning a broad range of defence, aerospace, technology and security specialists. Additional suppliers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with the current list of companies including:
Anduril Australia
Cubic Defence Australia
DEWC Services
DroneShield Group
HENSOLDT Australia
HighCom Technology
Leidos Australia
L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems Australia
Nova Systems
Raytheon Australia
Saab Australia
SYPAQ Systems
“Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping Australia safe, and that’s why the government is ensuring Defence and other agencies have access to the best available technology,” Minister Conroy said.
Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil said the updated regulations were essential to protecting ADF personnel at home, “Drones are rapidly becoming a tool of choice for malicious actors around the world.”
Khalil added, “These changes will better enable ADF personnel in Australia to protect themselves, their assets and the bases they operate from, which is vital to maintaining a ready and deployable Defence Force.
“Australia already has sophisticated capabilities to detect and counter drones. The amended regulations ensure those capabilities can be used safely and responsibly, allowing us to respond quickly to threats and keep our communities safe.”
