The 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy (2026 DISTS) sets the agenda for Australia’s defence innovation priorities and signals the next phase of research and innovation in the national security landscape.
A key feature of this strategic environment is the rapid adoption of emerging and disruptive technologies. This strategy has been updated in line with the 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) in recognition of changes in the strategic environment that warrant refocused innovation science and technology (IS&T) attention.
The core driver of this strategy is delivering on National Defence. Its objectives promote a national research and innovation sector that is adaptive to the most pressing Defence priorities and that accelerates delivery of next-generation capabilities to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The principle guiding this strategy is acknowledging that IS&T is a strategic asset for Defence. The speed at which Australia can develop, integrate and operationalise emerging and disruptive technologies – such as autonomous systems, precision fires, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled decision support, and quantum technologies – is a core contributor to Defence preparedness and the ADF’s ability to respond with credible military force.
The strategy outlines 6 updated IS&T Defence priorities, providing a practical roadmap for how Defence will harness emerging technologies in an increasingly contested global environment.
These priorities, as outlined in the 2026 NDS, are listed below.
- Long-range fires and hypersonic weapons
- High-energy lasers
- Autonomous systems
- Quantum technologies
- Artificial intelligence
- Undersea warfare.
While aligning with the 2026 NDS, the 2026 DISTS also complements the 2026 Defence Industry Development Strategy by strengthening strategic partnerships with industry, universities, publicly funded research agencies and international partners. These partnerships will underpin Australia’s future defence innovation ecosystem, enhance national security, and accelerate the development and delivery of advanced capabilities for the future integrated force.
Resources
2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy (PDF, 5.74 MB)