Australia has announced plans to significantly increase investment in drone technology, committing between AU$12 billion and AU$15 billion over the next decade to strengthen its autonomous defence capabilities.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the decision reflects changing global warfare patterns, particularly lessons drawn from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, where low-cost mass-produced drones have become central to military operations.

The new strategy includes up to AU$5 billion in additional spending on smaller drones and counter-drone systems, aimed at improving Australia’s ability to detect and neutralise aerial threats.

Australia has already focused heavily on advanced autonomous systems such as the Ghost Shark submarine and the Ghost Bat combat drone, both developed to strengthen defence across its vast coastline and strategic northern approaches.

Marles noted that modern warfare now depends heavily on autonomous systems, stressing that smaller drones provide scale and flexibility, as demonstrated on battlefields like Ukraine.

The expanded investment comes as Australia continues reshaping its defence posture amid regional security concerns, including growing naval activity by China and deeper cooperation under the AUKUS security partnership with the United States and the United Kingdom.