Australian army to receive small logistics drones for battlefield resupply.

The Australian Army has partnered with the Defense Innovation Hub in awarding an Army Innovation Day contract to SYPAQ to develop and demonstrate a next-generation battlefield logistics small unmanned aerial system (UAS), called the Precision Payload Delivery System (PPDS), for use by Australian soldiers. This contract, valued at over $1 million, was awarded as part of Army Innovation Day 2018, using the Defense Innovation Hub's Special Notice solicitation process.

Precision Payload Delivery System (PPDS) (Picture source: SYPAQ)

Minister for Defence Industry, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds, thanked SYPAQ for stepping up to answer the challenges of Accelerated Warfare presented by Army. "Defense units have an enduring need to be able to resupply their combat forces in the most hazardous environments," Minister Reynolds said.

Head of Land Capability, Major General Kath Toohey, AM, CSC, said robotic innovations were key for the Army adapting to the challenges of the modern and future battlefield. "Army's soldiers will get the opportunity to test this platform later this year and guide the development of advanced capabilities like the PPDS," Major General Toohey said.

CEO of SYPAQ, Amanda Holt thanked the Federal Government and Army for putting their faith in local companies like SYPAQ. "Through initiatives such as the Defense Innovation Hub and Army Innovation Day, SYPAQ has had access to opportunities not typically available to small and medium-sized businesses, including direct collaboration between innovators and end-users."

SYPAQ is a 100 % Australian owned business. Since the Defense Innovation Hub was established in December 2016, the company has been awarded five innovation contracts for concept exploration and capability demonstration.