Australia will inject $399 million (US$260 million) into the development of next-generation drones in a bid to boost the country’s military aerospace capabilities.
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy on Feb. 9 announced extra funding for the autonomous Ghost Bat programme, which would secure more than 350 jobs across the nation and support the local defence industry.
This is built on a preview investment of $600 million on the top secret drone project with eight aircrafts for prototype testing, bringing the total spend to almost $1 billion.
The Ghost Bat is the first military aircraft to be designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years, Mr. Conroy said.
“This … underscores the depth of innovation and expertise in our defence industry,” he said in a press release.
“That’s why giving our Air Force the critical capabilities it needs to protect Australians and their interests is paramount.”
The government said the new technology is designed to “act as a loyal wingman” that will protect and support Australia’s military assets and pilots. It would also undertake a wide range of activities across large distances, including performing combat roles.
The funding boost is expected to enable a focus on developing sensor and mission payloads, an integrated combat system and autonomous systems.
Mr. Conroy added that more than 200 Australian companies have already contributed to the MQ-28A program, including more than 50 small and medium enterprises within the supply chain.
“This project demonstrates that with the appropriate support from government, Australia’s defence industry can continue to be a world leader and a key source of jobs,” he said.
“The prosperity and security of our nation and will always be a top priority for the Albanese government. That’s why giving our Air Force the critical capabilities it needs to protect Australians, and their interests, is paramount.”
The move came after the Albanese government agreed that it would collaborate with the United States on technology sharing.
The next phase of the Ghost Bat program will aim to develop technology that will allow drones to work together and with other crewed aircraft, including the Super Hornet or Wedgetail, to complete missions as one team.
Mr. Conroy said he expected the drones to be tested at a demonstration exercise next year.
The Coalition threw support behind the move, with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton calling the investment “a great outcome.”
“There’s not only sort of a domestic benefit but this will enhance our global reputation,” he told Nine’s Today.
“It’s a great outcome and we support it very much.”
Under an agreement with the U.S., technology will be shared between the two countries to help fast-track the aircraft’s manufacture.
