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The Australian government has introduced new legislation to allow Defence to conduct counter-uncrewed systems operations, including the ability to detect, identify, monitor, track, and where necessary, take action against drones.
The new legislation is designed to protect Defence bases, personnel and critical assets, as well as to accelerate the development of capability Defence needs to keep Australians safe.
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The Defence Legislation Amendment (Accelerating Capability and Protecting Bases) Bill 2026 reforms the Defence Act 1903 to establish a modern legislative framework that meets Australia’s complex and challenging strategic environment.
This includes a new framework to support Defence capability development and preparedness activities, enabling Defence, industry and trusted international partners to develop, test and introduce advanced capabilities more efficiently in Australia.
These reforms are critical to implement the National Defence Strategy and progress work on Pillars 1 and 2 of AUKUS.
Importantly, the legislation also provides Defence with an enduring legislative authority to conduct countermeasures against uncrewed systems (UXS, more commonly referred to as “drones”) over sensitive Defence sites.
This follows a number of recent UXS incursions at Defence bases and at military bases in other similar jurisdictions globally and builds on the Albanese government’s previous regulatory changes.
These countermeasures will be done where it is safe to do so and with appropriate safeguards in place. The bill also includes a number of additional oversight powers for the Inspector-General Australian Defence Force.
“Australia’s strategic circumstances demand urgency, discipline and a relentless focus on delivering capability,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.
“These reforms will provide Defence with a modern legislative framework to accelerate capability development, protect our people and bases, and respond to emerging security threats.
“As we implement the National Defence Strategy, these reforms will help ensure Defence can work effectively with Australian industry and trusted international partners to deliver the capabilities Australia needs.”
This legislation will help ensure Defence can develop and sustain the capabilities Australia needs to be more self-reliant and support Australian defence industry. Importantly, it will help Defence fulfil its mission of defending Australia and its national interests.
The introduction of the bill is an important step and the reforms will now be subject to parliamentary consideration before any changes take effect.
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