The rising threat of drones has changed electronic countermeasures around the world. 

That’s why the ADF has rapidly procured a new suite of counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (C-sUAS) under Project Land 156 to detect, disrupt and defeat emerging aerial threats.

Late last year, Army held a 10-day assessment at the Cultana Training Area ahead of Exercise Southern Arrow 2025. 

Of the 20 systems trialled in the user evaluation activity, eight were selected to introduce into service. 

The category of systems included soldier-worn sensors, portable sensors for fixed-site installations and vehicle movements, through to hand-held jammers. 

Project representative Brad Pettit said the sensors and effectors were bought from 11 industry providers, many Australian, alongside some of the best systems from overseas partners.

The systems’ capabilities include sensing threats through radio frequency (RF) detection, protocol detection, system identification and bearing determination, and countering them using RF jamming and protocol disruption.

Mr Pettit said the systems could jam or disrupt threats across multiple frequencies and ranges.

“As long as we’ve got more power than what their radio has, we’ll beat them,” Mr Pettit said.

They are designed to defeat a wide range of threats, from small first-person view UAS to larger systems weighing more than 25kg, at ranges beyond 40km.

“We’ve seen billions of dollars’ worth of capability removed from battlefields through cheap, low-cost, unsophisticated and readily available UAS,” Mr Pettit said.

'You’re constantly learning, trying different scenarios, finding new ways to counter threats.'

During the assessment, soldiers were engaged by drones while patrolling as part of a scenario designed to test the systems and evaluate their use.

The goal was to confirm the systems’ technical performance matched operational use cases and to give end users early awareness of the capabilities.

Among those participating was Lance Corporal Seamus Patterson, of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, who said technology was remarkably user-friendly.

“They are incredibly easy to pick up,” Lance Corporal Patterson said. 

“Realistically, you could give them to someone, give them a soldier’s five, and they’d be operating within minutes.”

He said the simplicity of the systems meant new soldiers quickly gained confidence. 

“We’ve only been out here for six days and the improvement in the newer soldiers has been insane,” he said.

As a tank operator, he said the capability was particularly significant for armoured units.

“Tanks on the battlefield are priority number one – we’re massive targets,” Lance Corporal Patterson said.

“Unless you’re hidden in deep forest, you can see a tank from kilometres away.”

Lance Corporal Patterson said seeing equipment perform in realistic conditions reinforced the value.

“You’re constantly learning, trying different scenarios, finding new ways to counter threats,” he said.

'Our focus is on the best systems available for our people and continually modernising our systems to stay ahead of the threat.'

The project received funding early in 2025, with the first systems procured in April, meaning Army moved from concept to field trials in eight months.

Mr Pettit said the assessment formed part of a broader push to ensure the technology transitioned quickly from testing to frontline use.

User evaluations were completed last year and roll-out has now commenced.

The project was designed with all three services in mind. Soldiers, sailors and aviators took part to test how the systems would operate in their respective environments.

“While Army is the capability manager for counter-small UAS within the ADF, this is a true triservice effort,” Mr Pettit said.

“We’re looking at the full range of dismounted combatants across the ADF and how counter-UAS systems will enhance their day-to-day operations.” 

Training requirements are minimal.

“For some systems, training takes less than an hour. Even some of the most complex systems can be mastered within a day,” Mr Pettit said.

There is a total investment of $1.3 billion over 10 years to enhance ADF’s counter-UAS capability.

“Our focus is on the best systems available for our people and continually modernising our systems to stay ahead of the threat,” Mr Pettit said.

The project will trial additional systems this year.