A Brisbane technology manufacturer has delivered its first batch of drones to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) under a multi-billion-dollar Federal Government program.
Grabba Technologies, based in the bayside suburb of Tingalpa, was one of three companies granted the first wave of contracts to enhance Australia’s sovereign uncrewed aerial system (UAS) capability.
ADF Head Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator Major General Hugh Meggitt said more than $1.5 million worth of Australian-manufactured drones had now been delivered.
Major General Meggitt said the Federal Government had approved a $600 million investment in the development of a range of cutting-edge airborne, surface, and subsurface drone systems over the next 10 years, with a further $4-5 billion of unapproved funding earmarked for drone and counter-drone capabilities.
He said in April last year, Grabba Technologies, AMSL Aero and Boresight demonstrated their technology at a “fly-off”, with each securing a $2.2 million contract to grow their production capacity, finalise development of their prototypes to a production standard and produce 100 general-purpose drones.
“Three hundred units have now been delivered to the Australian Army, completing the final milestone of the challenge.”
Major General Meggitt said the ADF would acquire $1.5m worth of additional units from the three companies, with future orders planned.
He said small UAS were versatile and cost-effective platforms that provided near-real-time situational awareness at lower altitudes than larger surveillance alternatives.
“The modern battlespace and operating environment exemplify the fundamental necessity of UAS capability.”
