New National Defence Strategy to emphasize drones and uncrewed capabilities

On 2026-04-13, the Australian Government, through Defence Minister Richard Marles, announced that drones and other uncrewed capabilities would be a central feature of the new National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program. The government said it plans to invest $12–15 billion in uncrewed and autonomous systems through 2035–36, including air, maritime, and land capabilities.