Drones and other uncrewed capabilities to be a big feature of new National Defence Strategy

Drone and other autonomous military capabilities will be one of the central features of the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program to be unveiled by Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday.

The government will invest between $12–15 billion in uncrewed and autonomous systems over the next decade to 2035–36.

This includes up to $8.1 billion in air capabilities, up to $4.5 billion in maritime capabilities and up to $2.4 billion in land capabilities.

The government says investment in smaller uncrewed systems alone will be between $2.2–3.1…

© La Conversation - lundi 13 avril 2026