Defence unveils Innovation, Science and Technology strategy - Manufacturers' Monthly
The Federal Government has launched the 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) Strategy, outlining a 10-year plan to accelerate the delivery of new defence technologies while strengthening. . .
The Federal Government has launched the 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) Strategy, outlining a 10-year plan to accelerate the delivery of new defence technologies while strengthening Australia’s sovereign industrial base. Released alongside the 2026 ADSTAR Summit in Adelaide, the strategy sets out Defence’s priorities for innovation in response to an increasingly complex strategic environment where emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping modern warfare. The strategy identifies six capability priorities – long-range fires and hypersonic weapons, high-energy lasers, autonomous systems, quantum technology, artificial intelligence and undersea warfare. These areas are intended to support future Defence capabilities, including platforms such as the Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft and Ghost Shark autonomous undersea vehicle. The blueprint also aims to support the development of quantum technologies for secure navigation and timing in GPS-denied environments, along with advanced counter-drone systems designed to protect Defence personnel and infrastructure. Defence said the priorities draw on lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The strategy places a strong emphasis on collaboration between government, industry, universities and research institutions to accelerate innovation and strengthen sovereign capability. Defence will also continue working with trusted international partners to expand science and technology collaboration. deputy prime minister and minister for defence Richard Marles said the strategy provides clear direction for the organisations contributing to Australia’s future defence capabilities. “The Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy sets clear direction for Defence, industry, academics and researchers to work together on the technologies that will define the future of modern warfare. “Technology is reshaping warfare at a pace we have never seen before. The lessons from conflicts around the world are clear: nations that can innovate faster and adopt new technologies more effectively will have a decision advantage. “The 2024 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy made strong progress and the 2026 Strategy builds on this and aligns efforts with the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Defence Industry Development Strategy. ”Chief of the Defence Force Admiral Mark Hammond said the strategy would help deliver new capabilities to Defence personnel more quickly. “The new Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy offers a blueprint for providing the capability our warfighters need. “The Strategy will enable us to transition new technologies to our people sooner through a balanced approach to risk, deeper partnerships with industry, academia and international allies, and a culture of rapid experimentation that allows us to fail fast, learn faster and adapt quickly. “Today is an invaluable opportunity for all of us to come together at ADSTAR, to discuss how we can take collective action to accelerate and enhance Australia’s asymmetric advantage to preserve peace, prosperity and security for all Australians. ”Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro said the strategy would help align research and investment with Defence’s highest-priority capability needs. “The Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy clearly outlines Defence innovation, science and technology priorities, helping our partners focus their expertise and investment on the areas that will have the greatest impact on Australia’s national security and defence capability. “This represents a significant step towards deeper co-design and co-development with industry and academia, ensuring research programs are shaped from the outset by shared priorities and real capability challenges, while strengthening research security across the innovation ecosystem. “This Strategy will help align research effort, investment and innovation with Defence’s highest-priority needs and strengthen Australia’s strategic advantage. ”