Billions for new Australian military drones to fight wars in the air, land and sea

Australia’s next National Defence Strategy will include up to $15b in funding for new unmanned and autonomous military platforms over the next decade, as the military rushes to catch up with evolving weapons being used on the battlefield.

On Thursday Defence Minister Richard Marles will launch the latest NDS, as well as details of funding for military projects known as the Integrated Investment Program, with a focus on lethal drone technology.

The IIP is expected to include up to $8.1 billion for aviation drones such as the Ghost Bat, up to $4.5 billion uncrewed maritime systems as well as up to $2.4 billion for uncrewed and autonomous systems on land.

“Over the past two years, conflicts overseas have shown just how important drones and uncrewed systems are for our Defence Force,” the Defence Minister said in a statement ahead of his address later this week.

“The war in Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East underscore the rapid advancements in these technologies, and the ability for these systems to generate significant asymmetric advantage against larger, more expensive platforms.”

“Expanding our fleet of autonomous and uncrewed systems across all domains will not only help the ADF keep our nation safe, but will boost Australia’s sovereign defence industry – supporting local jobs and harnessing Australian innovation.

The Nightly can also reveal the Albanese Government will soon also unveil funding for up to 200 new locally produced Bushmaster vehicles for the Army.