Australia’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) has launched Mission Syracuse, a new initiative to fast-track domestic technology aimed at defending against small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), or drones.
Announced Monday and detailed in a statement on Friday, Mission Syracuse will focus on rapidly developing advanced interception technologies that can be integrated into the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) existing counter-drone systems.
The mission is part of a broader push under the 2024 National Defence Strategy to enhance Australia’s ability to respond to emerging threats, particularly from low-cost, small drones increasingly used in conflict zones worldwide.
ASCA is inviting Australian companies and research institutions to propose sovereign solutions through a two-stage procurement process, with submissions due via AusTender by June 6.
“Mission Syracuse will help provide the ADF with sovereign effector options to neutralise threats posed by small drones,” ASCA said in its call for proposals.
Major General Hugh Meggitt, Head of ASCA, said the accelerator’s role is to bring forward innovative and asymmetric capabilities by partnering with domestic industry.
“In response to the evolving threats of small drones, the government directed Defence to fast-track counter-drone acquisitions,” Meggitt said. “Mission Syracuse will enable investments in advanced systems that can be used both at home and abroad.”
These systems are expected to protect infrastructure, expeditionary bases, troops, and vehicles across all branches of the ADF. Mission Syracuse will also complement LAND 156, a broader ADF program delivering a full-spectrum counter-drone capability using a layered defence approach.
Mission Syracuse follows the successful Mission Black Thorn, which earlier this year awarded contracts to two Australian firms to develop systems aimed at degrading enemy air and missile defences.
ASCA missions represent a new model of collaboration, designed to quickly transform high-potential ideas into deployable technologies that meet Defence’s urgent needs.
