Australian counter-drone technology company, Visionary Machines, and Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) have entered into a new phase of joint development, assessing counter-drone sensing capability on HDA's Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) using Visionary Machines’ Pandion Sentinel drone detection and tracking technology.
“Drones now pose one of the most persistent threats to land forces anywhere in the world and this collaboration with Hanwha Defence Australia is about making sure Australia stays at the forefront of this innovation," Visionary Machines Chief Executive Officer, Sonny Foster, said.
“For Visionary Machines, it's a chance to demonstrate how sovereign Australian technology can be matched with a platform already proven on the international stage, and we're pleased to be continuing that work with HDA.”
The joint development activity is focused on exploring how Pandion Sentinel autonomous sensing capabilities could support force protection and situational awareness for land combat vehicles operating in increasingly complex environments.
"The Redback has been designed with growth and adaptability in mind, enabling the integration of emerging technologies as operational requirements evolve. Through our collaboration with Visionary Machines, we are exploring how advanced Australian-developed sensing capabilities can be integrated with the Redback platform to address the growing challenge posed by unmanned aerial systems on the modern battlefield," HDA, Head of R&D, Glenn Halupka, said.
"By bringing together HDA’s experience in advanced land systems and Visionary Machines' leadership in passive sensing technology, we are assessing new approaches to enhancing force protection, situational awareness and operational effectiveness."
This work builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Visionary Machines, HDA and Hanwha Systems at the Avalon International Air Show in March 2025, which established a framework for identifying and developing opportunities that bring together Australian innovation and leading defence platforms.
Through this relationship, the companies have been working together to assess how sovereign technologies can contribute to future defence capability outcomes.
Visionary Machines and HDA will be represented at the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, running from 6 to 8 October 2026 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.