Australia has announced a significant increase in spending on autonomous systems, including drones, as part of a comprehensive overhaul of its defense strategy. This decision responds to the evolving dynamics of warfare in the Middle East and beyond. Defence Minister Richard Marles stated that the government will allocate between AU$12 billion and AU$15 billion over the next decade to enhance the nation’s autonomous capabilities. Of this amount, up to AU$5 billion will be specifically directed towards drones and counter-drone technologies, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, where mass-produced, low-cost drones have played a crucial role.
Marles emphasized the growing importance of autonomous systems in modern warfare, stating, “Clearly, autonomous systems now are really central to how contest happens, how war happens.” He highlighted the strategic value of both large, long-range platforms and smaller, swarm-capable drones. Given Australia’s vast coastline and relatively small population, there has already been significant investment in larger unmanned systems, such as the Ghost Shark submarine and the Ghost Bat combat aircraft, both designed to operate autonomously alongside traditional forces.
The new funding will expand the country’s drone arsenal across a wide spectrum, ranging from high-end, long-range systems to more affordable, mass-deployable units. Marles pointed out that smaller drones provide the advantage of scale, a tactic that has been effectively utilized in Ukraine, where large numbers of inexpensive drones have been deployed to overwhelm defenses. This initiative aligns with Australia’s ongoing efforts to reshape its military in response to strategic shifts in the Indo-Pacific, particularly concerning China’s naval expansion.
In addition to its investment in autonomous systems, Australia is strengthening its defense ties with the United States and Britain through the AUKUS pact, which includes collaboration on nuclear-powered submarines. The updated defense strategy, set to be released this week, is expected to provide further details on how these autonomous capabilities will be integrated to protect Australia’s northern approaches and enhance its deterrence posture in an increasingly contested region.
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