KeyOptions has been awarded a portion of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) budget for the development and delivery of advanced counter-uncrewed aerial vehicle (CUAV) technology under Project Land 156.
“We are honored to be entrusted with this vital role in Project LAND 156,” CEO of KeyOptions, Rick Wylie, said. “This contract is a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering world-class defence solutions and our commitment to assist with the safeguarding of Australia’s armed forces. By leveraging our cutting-edge technology and deep industry and sector knowledge, we will provide the ADF with robust counter-drone capabilities to address both current and future threats.”
Project Land 156, an initiative to counter the growing threat of small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), aims to deliver solutions to protect ADF personnel and assets.
“The delivery of cutting-edge counter-drone technology shows the increasing speed at which Defence and industry are able to deliver new capabilities to the ADF. Australian industry is critical to delivering this technology, and they are demonstrating world-leading innovation while creating Australian jobs, Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, highlighted.
The contract, part of a $16.9 million initial wave of awards announced by the Government, includes KeyOptions among a select group of Australian and international firms tasked with rapidly deploying counter-drone technologies.
KeyOptions’ contribution will focus on advanced detection and neutralisation systems, integrating sensors, effectors, and command-and-control networks to ensure comprehensive protection against small UAS threats.
KeyOptions CUAV systems have been designed to meet the evolving challenges posed by drones, particularly commercially available models and NATO Class 1 and 2 systems weighing up to 24 kilograms.
The company’s solutions are designed to counter the rapid evolution of drone technology, as demonstrated in modern conflicts such as Ukraine, where small drones have proven highly effective.
KeyOptions hopes to have delivered a baseline CUAV capability by December 2025, with ongoing development to achieve a fully functional solution by 2032.