Drones, uncrewed capabilities feature in National Defence Strategy

Drones and other autonomous military capabilities will be a key feature of the 2026 National Defense Strategy and Integrated Investment Program to be unveiled by Defense Secretary Richard Marles on Thursday.

The government will invest $12-15 billion in unmanned and autonomous systems over the next decade until 2035-36. This includes air capabilities up to $8.1 billion, maritime capabilities up to $4.5 billion, and land capabilities up to $2.4 billion.

The government says investment in smaller crewless systems alone will be between $2.2-$3.1