# Australia defense technology and procurement

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australia-defense-technology-and-procurement
> Updated: 2026-11-06T07:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

The Australian Department of Defence is evaluating medium-range air defense technologies under Project LAND 6504. This potential A$10 billion initiative seeks to protect military installations and strategic infrastructure from ballistic threats, drones, and cruise missiles. Candidates under consideration include the American Patriot system, the Aegis ground-based configuration, the Medium Range Intercept Capability (MRIC), South Korean L-SAM systems, and Norwegian solutions. This push for enhanced defense follows an increase in drone incursions over Australian military sites.

In a related development in defense technology, the US Department of Defense approved the Cerberus MI, an Australian-made drone developed by Skyborne Technologies, for its Blue UAS Cleared List. The Cerberus MI is a recoverable Group 2 unmanned aerial system capable of being equipped with a 12-gauge shotgun or a 40mm grenade launcher. The approval follows assessments of cybersecurity and supply chain security.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-06: US Department of Defense approves Australian Cerberus MI drone

The US Department of Defense has approved the Australian-made Cerberus MI shotgun-armed drone for military use, allowing for reusable one-way attack missions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-department-of-defense-approves-australian-cerberus-mi-drone

### 2026-10-29: Australia evaluates missile defense systems for 2030s deployment

Australia is considering a A$10 billion air defense upgrade, including the US Marine Corps' MRIC system, to counter rising drone and missile threats by the early 2030s.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-evaluates-missile-defense-systems-inspired-by-israels-iron-dome

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Cite as: Australia defense technology and procurement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australia-defense-technology-and-procurement