ASCA invests $6.6M in Australian drone technology
21 August 2024
Three Australian companies have signed contracts, worth a total of $6.6 million, in the next stage of the Sovereign Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Challenge being managed by Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA).
AMSL Aero, Boresight and Grabba Technologies were each selected following a ‘fly-off’ demonstration of their technology in April. Each company has signed a $2.2 million dollar contract to finalise development of their prototypes to a production standard and produce 100 general purpose UAS.
A sovereign drone manufacturing capability will resolve security and supply chain risks associated with some commercial drones, and allow Defence and other government agencies to reap the benefits of scale by achieving higher volumes at lowers costs than currently available.
The companies, which are based in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Queensland respectively, will use the funds to build up their production capacity, further develop their prototypes to a commercial standard by the end of the year, then produce their first 100 UAS.
The Sovereign UAS Challenge was the first initiative that ASCA launched and signals to industry ASCA’s ability to deliver a more agile, accelerated process to advance innovation for the Australian Defence Force.
Source: Defence Press Release