The industry panel will allow the government to accelerate efforts to develop technologies to detect, deter and counter drone threats. Photo: DroneShield.
The Federal Government has announced the formation of a new industry panel to advise Defence and other agencies on how best to counter small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) to safeguard critical infrastructure and operations within Australia.
The Defence Project Land 156 Standing Offer Panel initially comprises 28 companies that specialise in the development of drones and counter-drone technologies, with the goals of accelerating efforts to develop technologies to detect, deter and respond to emerging drone threats, and driving innovation.
The initiative represents opportunities for industry to contribute to national security by competing for a diverse range of work across multiple government agencies.
In conjunction with the panel’s formation, the government has also enacted the Defence Amendment (Counter-UXS Measures) Regulations 2025 to strengthen Australia’s national security by protecting ADF personnel, assets and facilities.
The amended regulations give authority for Defence, in support of law enforcement agencies, to detect and counter drones that are suspected of posing a threat to ADF assets and establishments.
Defence already maintains several capabilities to engage hostile drone technology, but the amendments are set to enable capabilities to be better employed in Australia where it is safe and reasonable to do so.
The first 28 companies selected for the panel have been named and include Advanced Design Technology, Anduril Australia, ASR Defence, Axon Public Safety, Beca, Codarra Advanced Systems, Cubic Defence Australia, DEWC Services, Droneshield, Explosive Protective Equipment (EPE), HENSOLDT Australia, HighCom Technology, Insitec, Integrated Frontline Services, JVAT Solutions, and Leidos Australia.
Other members include Key Options, L3HARRIS Space and Airborne Systems Australia, NOVA Systems, Protegas Australia, QINETIQ, Raytheon Australia, SAAB Australia, SME Gateway, Solinnov, SYPAQ Systems, Systems Planning and Analysis Australia, and SYSTRA ANZ.
The government says these suppliers will remain on the panel until 31 December, 2029, and that more companies will be added soon.
Being a member of the panel does not necessarily guarantee a company will win contracts, but the arrangement will allow Defence and other agencies to procure counter-drone solutions for government sites as a service under accelerated timelines.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said counter-drone technology was critical to keeping Australia safe.
“This panel will help us to stay ahead of rapidly evolving drone and counter-drone technology,” Mr Conroy said.
“It will build on the contracts already announced as part of Land 156 to address the increasing threat of drones in modern warfare and will enhance Australia’s capacity to respond to emerging drone threats.”
Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil said drones were becoming a tool of choice for malicious actors across the globe.
“These regulations will better enable ADF personnel here at home to protect themselves, their assets and the bases in which they operate, which is critical to ensuring we maintain a ready and deployable defence force,” Mr Khalil said.
“Australia already has sophisticated capabilities to detect and counter drones. The Defence Amendment Regulations will ensure those tools can be used safely and responsibly, so we can respond quickly to threats and keep our communities safe.”
