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The Australian Defence Force drone racing team has won the 2025 Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS) Social Impact Award.
The team, which earlier this year clinched a fifth straight championship at the Military International Drone Racing Tournament in the UK, won the award for its “exceptional contributions to Defence”, as well as its broader mission.
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According to the ADF, the award recognises the team’s “engagement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), promotion of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), career pathways and public innovation through dynamic drone racing and education initiatives”.
“The team has led the way in youth engagement and community outreach for eight years, creating interest in STEM and exposing young Australians to prospective careers in uncrewed aviation and robotics,” said Defence.
“The team combines cutting-edge technology, robotics and competitive sport to showcase the future of UAS innovation in civilian and defence sectors.”
The president of the ADF drone racing team, Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, said the award is “a testament to the power of engagement through innovation”.
“We’re not just racing drones – we’re connecting with young Australians, sparking their curiosity and showing them that a future in aerospace, robotics or defence technology is within reach,” WGCDR Joyce said.
“The ADF drone racing team continues to inspire, educate and lead the next generation of innovators.”
A total of 43 pilots from Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and the United States, plus new teams from Belgium, Germany and the Philippines, competed in the three-day Military International Drone Racing Tournament from 16 to 18 September this year.
The ADF team battled through a double elimination series with plenty of mid-air crashes and quick repairs, but the Australian drone pilots’ precision, teamwork and consistency carried them across the finish line and on to the podium once again.
Adding to the success, the two fastest drone racers from the Australian Army Cadets competed in the Cadet/Youth category. The success of the cadet drone racers displays the exciting talent emerging in the next generation of drone racers.
