ASX-listed DroneShield announced its partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Leadership and Research Laboratory (STELaRLab) for the Agile Shield program.
This collaboration integrates DroneShield’s DroneCannon Mk2, a wide area non-kinetic effector, into Lockheed Martin Australia’s innovative defence system, the company said in a press release.
The Agile Shield program, developed under the Next Generation Technologies Fund framework, is designed to counter uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS).
Kevin McDonald, Integrated Systems Lead for Agile Shield at STELaRLab, provided insights into the program’s capabilities.
He stated that the system combines various Australian sensors and effectors within an open mission architecture, enabling a swift, adaptable, and scalable response to aerial threats.
“STELaRLab’s contribution included development of the open mission systems architecture and acting as the prime systems integrator. The addition of proven C-UAS jammers, such as DroneCannon Mk2, is part of Agile Shield’s planned transition from the virtual world to field demonstrations which occurred in October 2023,” McDonald explained.
As part of their collaboration, Lockheed Martin will market the combined system to its defence clients, with orders placed accordingly to DroneShield when sales occur.
Red McClintock, the director of Sales at DroneShield, underscored the importance of this collaboration, noting that DroneCannon Mk2 is a well-established effector with global recognition.
It is currently deployed in the Eastern European region and has received selection and recommendations from the US Department of Defence for base protection needs.
“We are excited to be working with Lockheed Martin and DST Group’s Agile Shield program and are looking forward to growing this business relationship,” McClintock remarked.
While the exact monetary value of expected sales remains uncertain at this stage, it is anticipated to be substantial over time.
DroneShield said it will provide further guidance when more information becomes available.
