In a strategic move to bolster national security, DroneShield , a global leader in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), has formalised a new collaborative research agreement with the Australian Department of Defence via the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). The Bilateral Collaborative Research Agreement (CRA) establishes a structured framework designed to accelerate the development of technologies capable of countering the rapidly evolving threat of hostile drones.
This partnership marks a significant deepening of ties between Australian industry and Defence science. Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will engage in a comprehensive exchange of technical data regarding emerging drone threats and capabilities. Crucially, the CRA facilitates mutual access to test articles, specialized hardware, and both parties’ testing ranges and evaluation facilities. This access is intended to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical, deployable solutions.
The core objective is to leverage the DSTG’s deep scientific and research pedigree alongside DroneShield’s commercial agility and operational expertise in C-UAS. By combining these strengths, the collaboration aims to ensure that both Defence and DroneShield remain at the forefront of innovation, delivering robust solutions to counter new classes of drones that feature enhanced speed, autonomy, and swarming capabilities.
Adelaide R&D Hub to Drive Innovation
Complementing the research agreement, DroneShield has announced the establishment of a new $13 million Research & Development Hub in Adelaide. Strategically situated in South Australia—a premier destination for Defence industries—the facility is designed to foster seamless collaboration with Defence personnel and DSTG scientists. This investment builds upon DroneShield’s history of working with the defence ecosystem, including previous collaborations with the DSTG-supported Defence Innovation Network. That prior work was instrumental in the development of DroneOptID, DroneShield’s advanced optical system capable of detecting, identifying, and tracking high-speed drones in complex environments.
Angus Bean, Chief Product Officer at DroneShield, emphasized the global implications of the partnership. “This agreement represents an important step in advancing counter-drone technology not only for Defence but for DroneShield’s end-users globally,” Mr. Bean stated. “Working closely with DSTG allows us to combine our practical experience with their research expertise to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the Australian Defence Force.”
The collaboration will prioritize joint test programs focused on enhancing the entire kill chain against unauthorised drones: improving detection capabilities, refining tracking algorithms, and advancing effective neutralisation techniques. As the operational environment becomes increasingly complex with commercial and custom-built drones, this partnership is positioned to deliver critical capabilities that safeguard Australian assets and personnel.
