ADF personnel fight aerial threats with Dronebuster C-UAS during Exercise Austral Shield

“Exercise Austral Shield 2026 is designed to exercise the Australian Defence Force’s short-notice response to a domestic security threat,” according to a public statement from Defence.

“Exercises like Austral Shield are an essential part of maintaining an agile and ready force.

“The Australian Defence Force maintains short notice and specialist capabilities that may be called upon, under Government direction, to assist the civilian authorities in responding to domestic security threats.”

Personnel were seen using the Dzyne Dronebuster compact C-UAS tool to defeat a flying drone threat. The man-portable jammer is intended for use by dismounted troops, security teams and first responders as a handheld electronic attack system.

DZYNE Technologies had previously announced a multi-million-dollar contract to supply its Dronebuster detect, track, identify and mitigate kits to the Australian Defence Force in September last year. The kits reportedly feature omnidirectional detection across 400 MHz to 6 GHz, multi-mode tracking, AI-powered identification through a continuously updated drone signal library, kinetic-free defeat options including RF jamming and position, navigation and timing disruption. Awarded in partnership with Australian defence supplier HIFraser, the contract was contained under the ADF’s LAND 156 Phase 1 program.

In addition, DZYNE Technologies was acquired by US-headquartered advanced autonomous systems developer Ondas in July this year; which announced a further $6.9 million order from the Australian Department of Defence for its DTIM Single-Operator Counter-sUAS Kits, secured in partnership with in-country distributor HIFraser in July.

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That order reportedly includes DTIM Kits that deliver integrated detect, track, identify, and mitigate capability through Ondas’ counter-UAS portfolio.

“Australia’s investment in Ondas’ DTIM Kits underscores the increasing global priority around counter-UAS readiness and the need for trusted, scalable technologies,” said Ondas chairman and chief executive Eric Brock at the time.

“This award is an important validation of our strategy to build a leading autonomous defence technology platform, combining advanced systems, operational expertise, and strong international partnerships to support mission-critical security needs worldwide.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.