drones – CONTACT magazine

Australian Army soldier Corporal Justin MacLennan watches Steve Nasui, of the Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Organisation, deploy a drone as part of Exercise Coastwatchers in the Solomon Islands. Story by Major Diana Jennings. Photos by Corporal Riley Blennerhassett.

Coastwatchers legacy levels up

22/04/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 494 Views 0 Comments drones, Exercise Coastwatchers, Solomon Islands

Exercise Coastwatchers has ramped up training between the Australian Army and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), with the addition

An Australian Army soldier signals 'all clear' to launch a drone using first-person-view goggles during the Modify and Operate Attack Drone (FPV) course at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria. Story by Major Martin Hadley. Photos by Sergeant Nicole Dorrett.

Australian Army News

Army accelerates drone training

27/03/202627/03/2026 Posted by Mike Hughes 679 Views 0 Comments 2RAR, 5/7 RAR, Armed Forces of Ukraine, drones, first-person view drones (FPVD), Operation Kudu, Puckapunyal, Royal Australian Regiment

Perched atop the rugged hillside and camouflaged in hides, teams operate their drones, sweeping for targets among the close terrain,

Commander Andrew Watson, left, and Chief Petty Officer Simon Hustwit prepare the Callisto 50 logistics drone for flight during a trial phase at Exercise Talisman Sabre. Story and photo by Corporal Michael Rogers.

News Royal Australian Navy Talisman Sabre

Drone trial points to game changer for Navy

08/08/202508/08/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 3407 Views 0 Comments drones, Exercise Talisman Sabre

Navy ships may soon receive crucial stores without having to launch a helicopter or come off task, thanks to an

An Australian Army soldier from 1st Armoured Regiment demonstrates hyper-teaming with uncrewed aerial systems on Project Convergence Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California, on 11 March 2025. Story by Major Peter Nugent. Photos by Photos: Corporal Nakia Chapman.

Australian Army News USA Videos

Converting brain power to fire power

27/05/2025 Posted by Mike Hughes 6067 Views 0 Comments 17th Sustainment Brigade, 1st Armoured Regiment, drones, Project Convergence Capstone five (PC-C5), US Army

With drones buzzing overhead and uncrewed vehicles scrabbling over the harsh desert terrain, Australian soldiers were given a glimpse of

Corporal Ryan Hodson, left, receives The Corporal Margaret Clarke Award from Warrant Officer of the Air Force Ralph Clifton at an awards ceremony held at Russell Offices, ACT. Photo by Flight Sergeant Kev Berriman.

ADF People

Winning essay looks at weaponisation of toys

08/10/202425/10/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 1806 Views 0 Comments drones

Commercial off-the-shelf drones have become a common presence on the battlefield, presenting opportunities and threats for militaries because of their

DroneShield, awarded $800,000 in funding, is gaining attention for its cutting-edge products and battlefield applications. Story by Sergeant Matthew Bickerton.

Australian Army News Science & Technology Sovereign industry

Battle-ready innovation

11/09/202411/09/2024 Posted by Mike Hughes 2734 Views 0 Comments Army Innovation Day, drones

Conventional wars frequently spur rapid technological innovation. The conflict in Ukraine has shown the impact small, inexpensive and easily manufactured