Australia’s Rolls Out Multi-Layered C-UAS Strategy in Response to Evolving Drone Threats.

In a global context marked by increasing investment in drone technologies and their neutralization, Australia has officially launched the first series of contracts under its counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) program. On July 24, 2025, the Australian government announced the award of contracts worth a total of 16.9 million Australian dollars (approximately 11.2 million US dollars) to eleven companies to develop and supply a range of technologies aimed at detecting, tracking, identifying, and neutralizing hostile drones.
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One of these, DroneShield, was specifically identified as a supplier of two systems: the DroneGun Mk4 handheld jammer and the RF Patrol lightweight detector (Picture source: Australian MoD)

These contracts fall under the Land 156 project, initiated less than a year ago, which aims to rapidly equip the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a layered and distributed C-UAS capability. During a demonstration held in Canberra, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated that these systems would enable the rapid deployment of effective threat detection and drone neutralization platforms. The systems include high-energy lasers, radio frequency jammers, and munitions-based solutions to address small drone threats.

Launched via a request for tender in November, the program calls for the integration of electro-optical sensors, active and passive radars, acoustic and thermal sensors, all networked to a command-and-control (C2) system that coordinates effectors. The goal is to implement a solution capable of countering NATO Class 1 and 2 drones, i.e., unmanned aerial vehicles weighing up to 24 kilograms. Australia is also seeking a systems integration partner to oversee procurement, market analysis, system design and implementation, and ongoing capability assurance, with adaptability to evolving threats as a core requirement.

Of the eleven companies selected, five are Australian, aligning with the government’s objective to support domestic defense industry. One of these, DroneShield, was specifically identified as a supplier of two systems: the DroneGun Mk4 handheld jammer and the RF Patrol lightweight detector. A list reported in Australian media, though not confirmed by the Defence Ministry at the time of publication, also named Axon Public Safety Australia, CACI, EPE, HIFraser, HighCom Technology, KeyOptions, Pioneer Computers Dream Industrial, Precision Technic Defence, SouthTech Systems, and Steelrock Technologies.

According to the Ministry, this initial contract wave will support the procurement of approximately 120 technologies, with further contracts expected in the coming months. These will focus on additional sensors, new effectors, and the full deployment of the C2 architecture. The Land 156 project is managed by the Electronic Warfare and Intelligence Systems Branch within the Defence Department’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.

In parallel, Australia is pursuing the development of next-generation counter-drone solutions through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Mission Syracuse. This initiative is focused on capabilities to counter medium-sized drones and drone swarms, aiming to enhance Australia’s capacity to address increasingly complex aerial threats.

This first round of contracts under the Land 156 project represents a pivotal step in Australia’s broader strategy to counter drone threats. It reflects a trend among modern armed forces to adopt effective countermeasures in response to asymmetric threats, similar to the approach taken by the United States, where every Army squad is expected to be equipped with one-way attack drones by the end of fiscal year 2026. Australia’s effort is part of a broader ten-year strategy involving an estimated AUD 10 billion investment in unmanned aerial systems.