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The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) 2023 provides clear guidance to Defence and supporting industry, on the key security challenges Australia faces and provides focus for Defence over the coming years. The Review has directed a change in thinking as to how Australia will defend and fight, within the context of our borders. This change is not without difficulty, and requires a rethink of UAS capability in support of Joint Force operations, maximising our people, money and innovation.
As linked to DSR, the ADF needs to do more, with either the same or less capability and resources. Additionally, the well-reported enduring requirement of personnel and struggles with retention means the ADF needs to continue to move towards a lean organisation with capability that can generate the same, if not more, effects with a smaller workforce. Furthermore, the link between maritime and land environment operations have never been clearer or needed.
With enduring amphibious operations and a move towards Army led maritime operations across the Pacific utilising procured capability through Programs including LAND8710, comes a need to generate capability while minimising space, maximising personnel. Additionally, there is a need for organic force protection and force projection while operating from small vessels. While the DSR has directed more efficient use of people and equipment, the ADF is able to easily and sensibility gain efficiencies through inter-service collaboration and engagement. One solution to meet this demand is the establishment of a Joint UAS Group, to focus on gaining efficiencies through common UAS systems across different service lines.
The DSR also flagged the need for changes in procurement to a more agile and time effective procurement process, whilst not unduly increasing procurement risk. Linked to procurement efficiency is the ability to procure quickly to ensure innovation is captured and used before it becomes irrelevant. In-service equipment should show the highest levels of innovation and technological advancement as opposed to multi-year procurement cycles resulting in mature but outdated capability.
This presentation will highlight the recent and future growth paths and capabilities of the V-BAT Group 3 UAS, and directly relate those capability offerings to multiple ADF challenges.
The presentation will also refer to the following challenges and opportunities facing the ADF:
Program Manager, Emerging Aviation Technology and Uncrewed System
Toll Aviation
Andrew Crowe is an experienced emerging aviation technology and uncrewed system expert with over 18 years of hands on and leadership experience. Most recently, Andrew has been employed within Aviation Special Projects with a focus on emerging aviation technology and uncrewed systems, within Toll Aviation. His current focus is on the civilian and military integration of the Shield AI V-BAT into Australian Skies. Previously, Andrew was an Australian Army Officer for 15 years as an uncrewed systems specialist. Most notably, Andrew was Army’s first Uncrewed System Troop Commander, who integrated the Insitu Scaneagle into Afghanistan in 2007, worked alongside the RAAF to integrate the IAI Heron into Afghanistan in 2009, and was embedded with coalition partners employing other large uncrewed system capabilities.
Hosted by Toll Aviation
MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
9-11 SEPTEMBER 2026
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