Leidos Australia and its Land 156 project partners have successfully demonstrated a mission-ready counter-drone capability for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). During the live-fire event, the system neutralized drones using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, marking a key milestone in advancing Australia’s ability to counter evolving aerial threats.
Exercise Southern Arrow 25 confirmed the effectiveness and successful integration of advanced systems to detect, track, and neutralize small Group 1 and Group 2 drones in field conditions.
Leidos Australia validated and integrated core technologies, combining advanced sensors, effectors, and command-and-control capabilities into a cohesive, mission-ready solution. Australian technologies featured in the demonstration included Acacia Systems’ Cortex command-and-control system, EOS Defence Systems’ effector suite, Department 13’s sensor system, along with Echodyne’s MESA radars and L3Harris’ VAMPIRE laser-guided rocket system for detection, tracking, identification, and defeat of small drones.
Paul Chase, CEO of Leidos Australia, said: “The development and successful trial of advanced counter-drone technology is a testament to Australia’s thriving innovation ecosystem and the technical expertise within our defence sector. We are proud to be part of the team strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability through mission-critical systems that provide immediate tactical utility and long-term operational relevance.”
Additional partners praised the collaboration. Acacia Systems CEO Bob Humphreys highlighted the adaptability of the sovereign Cortex C2 system. Department 13 CEO Ben Westgarth noted how Australian companies can develop critical ADF capabilities. Echodyne’s Todd Fraser emphasized the importance of accurate airspace data. EOS CEO Dr. Andreas Schwer stated that small drones are reshaping the battlespace, and EOS effector technology provides proven protection. L3Harris’ Tom Kirkland added that VAMPIRE has successfully shot down hundreds of drones in Europe and will help Australian allies defeat hostile drones accurately and affordably.
