Australia to Spend Billions on Drones as Warfare Changes
AI Analysis
Australia is set to increase its spending on drones and counter-drone systems by up to Au$5 billion, influenced by recent warfare trends in the Middle East and Ukraine. The investment is part of a broader Au$12 billion to Au$15 billion plan over the next decade to enhance autonomous capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Australia plans to spend up to Au$5 billion on drones and counter-drone systems.
- The decision is influenced by drone warfare trends in the Middle East and Ukraine.
- Australia's defense strategy includes developing autonomous submarines and fighter jets.
- The AUKUS partnership aims to transfer nuclear submarine technology to Australia.
- Australia's defense focus is on missile strike capability and deterring northern threats.
Why It Matters
This investment signifies Australia's strategic shift towards autonomous systems in response to evolving global warfare tactics, particularly in drone usage. It underscores the importance of counter-UAS technologies in modern defense strategies, especially given Australia's geographic vulnerabilities and regional security concerns, notably regarding China's military activities.
Australia to Spend Billions on Drones as Warfare Changes
Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Richard Marles arrives at Royal Palace 'Huis ten Bosch' for the social dinner for Heads of State and Government. Image: Beata Zawrzel via AFP
Australia will boost spending on drones by up to Au$5 billion ($3.6 billion) in response to shifts in warfare seen in the Middle East, Defence Minister Richard Marles said Tuesday.
Australia’s vast coastline and small population have spurred a focus on developing large autonomous submarines and fighter jets, dubbed the Ghost Shark and Ghost Bat.
The use of cheaper drones mass produced by Iran in the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts has prompted the decision to also boost spending on smaller drones and counter-drone systems, Marles said in an ABC radio interview.
“We look at what’s happening in the Middle East right now — you need counter-drone technology as well,” he said.
Australia will spend Au$12 billion to Au$15 billion over the next decade on autonomous capabilities, Marles said ahead of an update to the national defence strategy to be released Thursday.
“Clearly, autonomous systems now are really central to how contest happens, how war happens,” he said.
Australia needed the full spectrum of drone capabilities for its defence because of its geography, Marles said.
“What you get at the smaller end is mass — you know, lots of units — and that’s what we are seeing play out in Ukraine,” he added.
Wary of China’s navy build-up, US ally Australia has reshaped its defence force in recent years to focus on its missile strike capability and deterring an adversary from its northern approaches.
Its AUKUS defence partnership with the United States and Britain aims to transfer nuclear-powered submarine technology to Australia next decade.
Germany said last month it is considering Boeing’s Australian-developed Ghost Bat, designed to fly alongside a fighter jet and return to base, as it modernises its air force.
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