The Australian government has selected Leidos Australia as the Systems Integration Partner for Project Land 156, a 1.3-billion Australian dollar ($840 million) program designed to counter evolving threats.
Under the 45.9-million Australian dollar ($30 million) contract, Leidos Australia will deliver and evolve the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) counter-small drone capability.
The contract covers support for the ADF’s present and future operational requirements, while enhancing its ability to counter evolving drone threats weighing up to 24 kilograms (53 pounds), or NATO Classes 1–2.
“This project is both a benchmark and a blueprint for how we continue to deliver speed to capability,” Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.
“The structure of Project Land 156 will ensure Australia stays ahead of the evolution cycle in relation to counter-drone technology, giving the ADF the capabilities it needs.
Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping our ADF members safe, and that’s why the Government is ensuring our soldiers, sailors and aviators are provided with the best technology to protect them.”
Sovereign Capability
Most of the 10-year project will be delivered by Australian companies, sustaining more than 160 jobs and creating up to 80 additional roles.
Nearly 39 million Australian dollars ($25 million) in contracts has already been awarded to 20 vendors, 14 of them local.
The project’s open architecture approach allows more companies to be integrated over time, reinforcing Australia’s supply chain resilience.
Demo by December
As part of the program, a rapid demonstration of a minimum viable counter-drone capability will be conducted by December 2025.
The demonstration will feature the Cortex Command and Control System developed by South Australia-based Acacia Systems, an effector system from Canberra-based EOS Defence Systems, and a sensor system delivered by Department 13, also headquartered in Canberra.
EOS is expected to provide its Slinger counter-drone remote weapon system, which features a 30mm cannon with specialized ammunition, advanced stabilization, and precision pointing technology.
The system can track and engage moving targets at ranges beyond 800 meters (2,624 feet) and is equipped with a day camera and thermal imaging, allowing target detection at distances of up to 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) and 13.7 kilometers (8.51 miles), respectively.
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