The $1.3bn bill to fight ‘future threats'

Perth Now

2 days ago

The Albanese government is earmarking $1.3bn over the next decade for counter-drone capabilities as part of a program to protect Australia from 'future threats'.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are central to 21st century warfare and only becoming cheaper, smaller, smarter and deadlier.
It is part of Project Land 156 which involves the creation of systems that can find and stop enemy drones.
Announcing the funding on Tuesday, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said Labor had already issued contracts 'totalling $38.7m to 20 vendors', nearly doubling the number initially awarded in July.
Australian companies make up 14 of the vendors. Labor is committing an $1.3bn to counter-drone capabilities. Australian Defence Force / Handout Credit: Supplied
'Under those contracts, and accelerated testing, at least 120 of the world's most capable threat detectors and drone-defeating technologies will be rapidly introduced into use,' Mr Conroy told the Queensland Media Club.
'The technology is evolving rapidly and we are moving with it.
'So, today, I can reveal that the Albanese Government has set aside $1.3bn for acquisition of counter-drone capabilities over the next 10 years.'
He said the Albanese government would 'announce further counter-drone acquisitions in the very near future as part of Land 156' and that small and medium-sized enterprises 'are at the heart of this project'.
'I can also reveal that under Land 156, we have adopted a continuous modernisation model,' Mr Conroy said, calling it 'critical'.
'It means that the investments we make today … can help protect against potential future threats.' Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy says Project LAND 156 will safeguard Australia against 'potential future threats'. Nigel Hallett / Newswire Credit: News Corp Australia
He went on to say that in Ukraine 'we've observed that it when it comes to drones, the cycle of adaptation and counter adaptation is around three to six months'.
'So, through Project Land 156, the (Australian Defence Force) will continually upgrade and refresh capabilities to address emerging drone threats,' Mr Conroy said.
The $1.3bn will come from the $10bn already committed to the program over the next decade.
Mr Conroy said it would ensure Australia stayed ahead 'in the uncrewed capability race'.
Though, he also said it was 'not just about defence bases and defence assets', but that there were civil uses too.
He pointed to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games as an example.
The focus on drones comes as tensions simmer in the Indo-Pacific.
The Trump administration has warned of an 'imminent' threat from China, saying Beijing was eyeing a move on Taiwan as early as 2027.
The Albanese government itself has consistently warned Australia faces the 'most complex strategic circumstances' since the Second World War.