Australia launches next Defence mission focused on counter small uncrewed aerial systems
April 1, 2025 | Tuesday | News
The mission seeks sovereign solutions from Australian industry and research organisations through a two-stage procurement process
Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) is seeking industry support to enhance Defence’s counter-drone capabilities with the launch of Mission Syracuse.
Mission Syracuse will focus on rapidly developing advanced technology options to intercept uncrewed aerial systems that can be integrated into the ADF's existing counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (CSUAS).
The mission seeks sovereign solutions from Australian industry and research organisations through a two-stage procurement process.
ASCA missions are at the heart of a new approach to innovation that, in partnership with industry, focuses on rapidly pulling through disruptive technologies into capabilities that will meet Defence’s most pressing needs, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy.
These advanced technologies can protect deployed forces by securing infrastructure, expeditionary bases, dismounted personnel and their equipment, and all classes of ADF vehicles.
Mission Syracuse will complement LAND 156, which will deliver a comprehensive CsUAS capability system for the ADF that is able to detect, track, identify, and neutralise adversaries through a comprehensive, layered and distributed defensive approach.
Syracuse is the next mission for ASCA following the successful contract awarding to two Australian companies in January 2025 under Mission Black Thorn, which is focused on rapid technology development to degrade integrated air and missile defence systems of potential adversaries.
