This is our first compilation episode featuring updates we recorded at Land Forces 2026 in Perth. First up are Geoff Knox and Bede Gavin talk about their new contract with the New Zealand Defence Force, their neutrally bouyant, body contoured armour, and the tethered drone on display. Next up, Jack Walker from Shield AI discusses their updated V-BAT UAS, its use with organisations around the world, developments with Hivemind and its use with Innovaero's OWL loitering munitions, and the team's expansion in Australia.
During the event, Grant had a chance to sit down with Al Clements, CEO of CEA Technologies, about his ramping up after four months in the role, use of CEA's AESA radars in Australian and international platforms plus the recent demonstration at Woomera with integration into the Aegis system. We also touch on the use of AESA radars for emitting and jamming in addition to sensing, the importance of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum, and the future for CEA.
Next up, Kacey Lam-Evans gives us an update about DroneShield's recent developments and increasing presence on the international market. Finally, we talk with Rear Admiral Pete Quinn (ret'd) from Greenroom Robotics about their developments in Australia and overseas, along with the importance of medium and large sized autonomous surface vessels, including systems helping reduce the demands on the Army personnel crewing their new landing craft. We also talk about training autonomous systems, ensuring commonality for operating them, and establishing the TTPs for ADF members using USVs.
Links:
ADM's Land Forces 2026 Day 1, 2 & 3 Coverage:
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-1-coverage
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-2-coverage
https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/land-forces-2026-day-3-coverage
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