The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is reportedly acquiring A$140 million worth of new surveillance and reconnaissance drones as the Albanese Government accelerates the adoption of unmanned systems.
Australian company Sypaq and Germany’s Quantum Systems will supply a combined 110 small tactical drones to the Army and Airforce by next year, including training and four years of maintenance.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy highlighted the significance of this investment, emphasising the role of these new models in protecting troops by enabling intelligence collection and target location without exposing personnel to enemy fire.
“This government is committed to matching its rhetoric with actions, unlike the former government,” said Conroy.
The two unarmed drones, Sypaq’s CorvoX and Quantum Systems’ Vector, are fixed-wing, tilt-rotor models capable of vertical take-off and landing, yet flying like conventional aircraft. This procurement is part of a broader decade-long A$10 billion initiative to enhance the ADF’s unmanned capabilities.
Sypaq’s contract is notably the largest to date between the ADF and a local manufacturer. The company’s Corvo drone was previously donated to Ukraine by the Australian Government.
The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator within Defence is collaborating with local drone companies to develop future models for ADF consideration. Marcus Hellyer, research chief at Strategic Analysis Australia, said, “It’s good to see money flowing into an Australian SME that is more than a few million dollars for research and development.”
Recently, the Albanese Government also announced the acquisition of an undisclosed number of Switchblade 300 drones for the Army,
This follows recent news that the ADF will get an undisclosed number of US-made Switchblade 300 drones —capable of delivering a grenade-size warhead over distances of approximately 20 kilometres — as the Albanese Government provides “world‑leading lethality and protection” for Australian troops.