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Leidos Australia has demonstrated readiness in counter-drone technology, through collaboration with LAND 156 project partners.
Exercise Southern Arrow 25 saw a major milestone in the development of systems to counter emerging aerial threats as part of LAND 156, the ADF’s $1.3 billion initiative to develop and deliver C-UAS capabilities.
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The demonstration included engagements against small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), with live-fire activity demonstrating the effectiveness and integration of multiple systems designed to detect, track and neutralise UAS in operational environments.
“The development and successful trial of advanced counter-drone technology is a testament to Australia’s thriving innovation ecosystem and the technical expertise within our defence sector,” Leidos Australia chief executive Paul Chase said.
“We are proud to be part of the team strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability through mission-critical systems that can provide immediate tactical utility and long-term operational relevance”.
As a part of LAND 156, a range of industry professionals and organisations are working alongside Leidos as the primary systems integration partner to deliver these advanced C-UAS technologies.
Leidos Australia integrated a range of sensors, effectors and command-and-control technologies into an operational architecture for the project, allowing for Australian-developed systems to support detection, tracking, identification and defeat of drones.
These include Acacia Systems’ Cortex command-and-control platform, EOS Defence Systems’ effector suite and Department 13’s sensor system, Echodyne’s MESA radars and L3 Harris’ VAMPIRE laser-guided rocket system.
“VAMPIRE has been used extensively in support of European combat operations since 2023 and has successfully shot down hundreds of drones,” said Tom Kirkland, L3Harris Technologies vice president and general manager targeting and sensor system.
“Working together, this system will also help our allied partners in Australia defeat the rapidly growing threat of hostile drones accurately and affordably.”
The LAND 156 project was launched earlier this year.
