Australian Military Acquires Drones That Can Hunt for Targets

A "No Drone Zone" sign prohibiting unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) flying over the area is seen in central Moscow on June 21, 2023. (Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP via Getty Images)

The Australian government says the nation’s soldiers will be better equipped to deal with threats with the provision of new Switchblade 300 drones.

The so-called “kamikaze” drones are precision loitering munitions and are the first drone weapons used by the Australian Defence Force—previous drones acquired by the ADF have been used for surveillance and intelligence gathering.

The acquisition of the Switchblade 300 boosts the ADF’s arsenal of drones, including those capable of being armed.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy MP said national security was a major focus of the government.

“The prosperity and security of our nation and will always be a top priority for the Albanese government,” he said.

“That’s why giving our soldiers the critical capabilities they need to protect Australians, and their interests, is paramount.

“With autonomous weapon systems increasingly prevalent, the Defence Strategic Review made clear that new technology and asymmetric advantage are important priorities.”

Mr. Conroy said it was important Australia wasn’t left behind as battle technology developed.

“The delivery of this proven precision loitering munition demonstrates the speed at which we are introducing capabilities to the ADF,” he said.

“It shows the Australian government is getting on with the job of providing the ADF with state-of-the-art technologies it needs to meet the threats we face.”

What Does the Switchblade Do?

Unlike other traditional drones, which are used for reconnaissance, the Switchblade, which can “loiter,” is an aerial weapon designed to stay around the area of a target before attacking it directly by crashing into it and exploding.

They are carried in the backpack of a soldier, before being fired into the air where the wings flick out, hence the name “switchblade.”

A range of drones, including loitering munitions, have proven to be potent for picking off soldiers, tanks, and other military assets by Ukrainian forces trying to repel the Russian invasion.

The Australian government says the weapons ensure world‑leading lethality and protection against potential adversaries.

The ADF has several different types of non-armed drones and drones capable of being armed, including models that have been in service for more than a decade.

Defence expects the first Switchblade will be delivered to Australia later this year and introduced into service in 2025.

No costings were made public.

The U.S. government has delivered hundreds to the Ukrainian forces.

Overseas news sites report the U.S. government paid up to $80,000 ($A118,885) for each of their Switchblade 300 drones.