Government funds counter-drone tech that can track coin-sized objects
AI Analysis
The Australian government has allocated $30 million to two local companies, Sypaq and AIM Defence, for developing advanced counter-drone technologies. This initiative is part of a broader $7 billion investment over the next decade aimed at countering the proliferation of cheap drones in warfare.
Key Takeaways
- Australia invests $30 million in counter-drone technologies with Sypaq and AIM Defence.
- Sypaq is developing the Corvo Strike drone to target larger drones.
- AIM Defence is working on the Fractl high-powered laser to track and destroy small, fast-moving objects.
- The investment is part of a $7 billion plan over the next decade for counter-drone measures.
- The initiative is informed by lessons from drone use in conflicts like Ukraine and Iran.
Why It Matters
This investment highlights Australia's strategic shift towards developing cost-effective counter-drone solutions, reducing reliance on expensive missile systems. It positions Australia as a leader in autonomous systems, potentially opening export opportunities to allies and enhancing national defense capabilities against emerging drone threats.
Government invests in counter-drone technology citing lessons of Iran war - ABC News
Published: 2026-04-21T06:25:47+00:00
Summary
The Australian government has signed contracts with two Australian companies, Sypaq and AIM Defence, worth a combined $30 million. The contracts are part of $7 billion in funding set aside for counter-drone options over the next decade. This follows the widespread use of cheap, mass-produced drones in conflicts such as the Ukraine and Iran. One contract will be for Sypasq's Corvo Strike drone, which tracks, targets and destroys larger drones. Another $21.3 million will go towards AIM's Fractl high-powered laser, which can track small, fast-moving objects and burn through steel. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy emphasised the importance of avoiding relying on expensive missiles to shoot down cheap drones, as seen elsewhere.
Story
Government invests in counter-drone technology citing lessons of Iran war - ABC News Skip to main content Skip to news navigation, settings and search # Government invests in counter-drone technology citing lessons of Iran war By acting defence and national security correspondent Tom Lowrey - Topic:Defence and National Security 8 minutes agoTue 21 Apr 2026 at 6:25am Pat Conroy says it is vital Australia is not caught relying on expensive missiles to shoot down cheap drones. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore) ## In short: The federal government will invest $30 million in two Australian companies specialising in counter-drone measures. One company, Sypaq, is developing an armed drone designed to target larger drones, while AIM Defence is developing a high-powered anti-drone laser. ## What's next? The funding comes as part of $7 billion the government says will be invested in counter-drone measures over the next 10 years. The federal government has signed contracts with two Australian companies specialising in counter-drone technologies, as it says it is learning lessons from conflicts abroad. The two contracts, worth a combined $30 million, are a small slice of $7 billion in new funding set aside for counter-drone options over the next decade. Widescale use of cheap, mass-produced drones has been a dominant feature of the war in Ukraine and the current Iran conflict. One contract has been signed with Australian company Sypaq, which has previously supplied cheap cardboard drones to the Ukrainian military. The drones — which were supplied as part of an Australian support package to Ukraine — have been used in attacks on Russian airfields, damaging aircraft. The $10.4 million contract will help fund the development of Sypaq's Corvo Strike drone, which tracks, targets and destroys larger drones. Another $21.3 million in funding will go to AIM Defence to fund its Fr