image sourced from original article at Australia is set to more than double its funding for counter-drone defenses, committing 7 billion Australian dollars under its latest defense investment plan. The move reflects growing concern over the rapid spread of unmanned aerial systems in modern conflicts and the vulnerabilities they expose in military forces and critical infrastructure.
Two development contracts have been awarded as part of this effort. AIM Defence will receive 21.3 million Australian dollars to further develop its Fractl high-energy laser system, designed to track and destroy small, fast-moving drones, including swarms. Sypaq Systems has been granted 10.4 million Australian dollars to build the Corvo Strike interceptor drone, a loitering munition intended to track and eliminate larger unmanned aircraft.
Both systems are expected to integrate into a broader army-led counter-unmanned aerial capability aimed at protecting deployed forces and domestic sites from low-altitude threats. Although the contracts are relatively modest compared to other major defense projects, officials say developing sovereign counter-drone technologies is essential as conflicts abroad demonstrate the growing role of unmanned systems on the battlefield.
