Australia Decides to Increase Investment in Drones and Autonomous Weapon Systems

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 15 - Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said on the 14th that in light of the large-scale use of low-cost drones in the Ukraine crisis and the Iran conflict, Australia will increase its investment in drone-related capabilities, with an additional budget of up to 5 billion Australian dollars (approximately 3.6 billion US dollars).

During an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation on the same day, Marles stated that the extensive use of low-cost drones in the Ukraine crisis and the Iran conflict prompted Australia to decide to increase investment in small drones and counter-drone systems.

Marles noted that considering Australia's vast coastline and relatively small population, its defense system needs to establish comprehensive drone capabilities. Over the next 10 years, Australia will invest between 12 billion and 15 billion Australian dollars (8.5 billion to 10.7 billion US dollars) to develop autonomous weapon systems. "Clearly, autonomous systems have become central to competition and warfare."

According to AFP, the unmanned weapon systems that Australia has previously focused on developing include the "Ghost Shark" unmanned submarine and the "Ghost Bat" drone. The "Ghost Bat," developed by Boeing Australia Defense for the Royal Australian Air Force, can independently perform surveillance and reconnaissance missions and can also serve as a wingman for manned fighter aircraft. As of now, the "Ghost Bat" is still in the development stage, with prototypes having completed over 150 test flights. (Wang Yixin)