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Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles has met with Australian Defence Force personnel at a newly completed uncrewed aerial systems facility in Jervis Bay.
The visit displayed the facility’s role in supporting emerging aviation and autonomous systems, as well as the personnel who employ and sustain them.
Marles spoke about the recently released 2026 National Defence Strategy and the government’s investment in autonomous and uncrewed capabilities to enhance Australia’s defence readiness and resilience.
“Autonomous systems will play an increasingly important role in our future force, but technology alone does not deliver capability,” Marles said.
“Our people remain our greatest asset, and investing in them is essential to ensuring these systems achieve their full potential.”
Acting Commander Fleet Air Arm Captain Samuel Dale highlighted the significance of modern infrastructure in enabling Defence to adapt to an increasingly complex operating environment.
“These facilities are about more than buildings, they provide the foundation for our people to safely operate, maintain and integrate the next generation of Defence capabilities,” CAPT Dale said.
“As our systems evolve, so too must the environments in which our personnel train and work.”
Commanding Officer 822X Squadron Commander Jeffery Choat acknowledged the dedication of the squadron’s workforce and the important role they play in delivering capability outcomes.
“We may be a small team of just 53 personnel, but the professionalism, innovation, and commitment demonstrated by our people every day is what makes 822X Squadron successful,” Commander Choat said.
“This facility will help us continue delivering for Defence well into the future.”
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