Australian counter-drone maker rises

 

UAV warfare rapidly evolves - Australian counter-drone maker rises 

DroneShield CEO says new tactics emerge but face radio frequency limits.

Two years ago, Australia's DroneShield, which builds equipment to detect and disable drones, had about 90 employees. Today, that number has jumped to 275.

Its growth from a start-up founded in 2014 to an ASX-listed company with a market cap of 1.3 billion Australian dollars ($848 million) reflects how drones have reshaped modern conflict and propelled increasing demand for counter measures.

DroneShield announced it is making a significant investment to expand its operations in Europe and support the continent’s domestic defence programs such as ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030. The Australian counter-drone (CUAS) technology company is working to establish a European manufacturing and in-house assembly facility – its first outside of Australia.  The expansion includes plans to establish a new sales hub and create a second manufacturing line for select DroneShield hardware, with at least 65 per cent European-based industry content for certain products sold in the region.

Europe is currently one of DroneShield’s largest geographical segments, with over A$500m across dozens of opportunities. The local manufacturing program is expected to bring further demand through qualifying the company for additional deals. The expansion comes as Europe enacts its €800 billion (circa A$1.4 trillion) ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 plan to become more militarily self-reliant and counter the threat from Russia. DroneShield’s technology and best-in-class devices continue to play a major role in supporting Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine War.

It also follows DroneShield recently completing an A$8.2 million order with a major European military customer for dismounted and vehicle-mounted counter-unmanned (CUxS) systems, its fourth successful order from the customer. DroneShield’s ongoing experience makes it an ideal fit to support Europe’s renewed defence efforts, according to CEO Oleg Vornik.

“We haven’t only supplied technology in Ukraine, we’re in ongoing discussions with frontline soldiers through our new Sydney headquarters, updating their devices to counter new Russian drone attacks,” said Vornik. “This battleground has become ever more important to our European allies as they rapidly expand their defence capabilities. That defence must be centred around the modern threats of warfare which we’re engaged with daily, even using AI to significantly advance counterdrone capabilities by accurately identifying, tracking, and classing drones. Establishing a robust European supply chain to support equipment sold in the region will strengthen sovereign capability, while DroneShield’s experienced Australian software development team will continue to deliver critical updates that address emerging threats faced by customers not only in Ukraine but worldwide.”

DroneShield will continue to build its European team in line with the expansion, adding to the highly experienced CUAS experts it has on the ground. Meanwhile in Australia, the company will also expand its Australian assembly facilities, which support Australia’s own rise in modern defence capabilities alongside allies across the globe. Exports accounted for 91 per cent of these facilities in 2024, proving it a vital example of the broader manufacturing capabilities Australia can deliver as it delivers its Future Made in Australia plan.

“Australia’s national defence spend is expected to double over the next decade to $100 billion in FY34,” added Vornik. “DroneShield continues to invest in providing leading-edge sovereign capabilities for Australia’s interests while ensuring we are equipped to meet demand from our nation’s allies across the globe.”