Land Forces 2026

MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA
9-11 SEPTEMBER 2026

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PROGRAM

Uncrewed Aerial System Capability to Support the Joint Force: V-BAT Supporting ADF Operations

Date:
Thursday 12 September
Time:
1000 – 1100
Registration:

Land Forces 2024 Registration is now closed. 

If you are already registered, you can Amend Your Registration to include this session. 

This event is open to all Land Forces trade visitors, exhibitors and conference delegates.

NOTE: While attendance to this session is free for all participants, entry is not guaranteed. Seating will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, and once the venue reaches its maximum capacity, access will be closed.

Location:
The Land Forces 2024 Theatrette (Stand J231), Exhibition Ground Level, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

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:

  •  Swarming and one-to-many operations: the ADF cannot be slaved to one-to-one operations. Is this a technological issue, or a regulatory issue?'
  • The use of AI coupled with higher levels of autonomy: autonomy is key to multi-aircraft operation to maximise the capacity of personnel. How can autonomy, coupled with AI, free up resources and make the ADF more efficient?
  •  LAND129-5: Army’s Group 3 (or 4) ISR requirement through UAS doesn’t stop with LAND129-5 and Army needs to understand future organic ISR requirements to support operations.
  • Procurement changes: is there a model in which the ADF efficiently understand, contract and mobilise innovative technological advancements in complex systems, avoiding the legacy bureaucratic process and procurement inefficiencies that have plagued previous projects and resulted in project delay to point of obsolescence.
  • Australian Defence Industry suppliers contribution to UAS operations: how can Australian Defence industry service providers assist Australian technologies (such as the CM234 UAS payload from AVT Australia, or the VIDAR / WAMI payload from Sentient Vision System), with integration onto operational platforms to both assist the Defence of Australia, and leverage this integration to succeed in international export markets?

SPEAKERS

Andrew Crowe
Andrew Crowe

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

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For any conference enquires, please contact the Conferences Team at conferences@amda.com.au