The Australian government has launched a ten-year blueprint for defence innovation, with AI one of six priority capabilities.
Artificial intelligence is one of six focal areas to be developed under Australia’s newly launched 2026 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy, the Albanese government announced today.
The new ten-year blueprint is aimed at accelerating the development and delivery of new and emerging technologies that are reshaping the modern battlefield.
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“The Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy clearly outlines Defence innovation, science and technology priorities, helping our partners focus their expertise and investment on the areas that will have the greatest impact on Australia’s national security and defence capability,” Professor Tanya Monro, Chief Defence Scientist, said in an August 4 statement.
“This represents a significant step towards deeper co-design and co-development with industry and academia, ensuring research programs are shaped from the outset by shared priorities and real capability challenges, while strengthening research security across the innovation ecosystem.”
AI is listed alongside quantum technology and autonomous systems, as well as long-range fires & hypersonic weapons, high-energy lasers, and undersea warfare, with systems such as the Ghost Bat uncrewed aircraft and the Ghost Shark autonomous undersea vehicle indicative of where Defence sees its future.
“Technology is reshaping warfare at a pace we have never seen before. The lessons from conflicts around the world are clear: nations that can innovate faster and adopt new technologies more effectively will have a decision advantage,” Deputy PM Richard Marles said.
“The 2024 Defence Innovation, Science and Technology Strategy made strong progress and the 2026 Strategy builds on this and aligns efforts with the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Defence Industry Development Strategy.”
Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Defence Force, said the new strategy serves as a blueprint for what Australia’s warfighters most need.
“The Strategy will enable us to transition new technologies to our people sooner through a balanced approach to risk, deeper partnerships with industry, academia and international allies, and a culture of rapid experimentation that allows us to fail fast, learn faster and adapt quickly,” Admiral Hammond said.
The 2026 IS&T Strategy was launched in conjunction with the 2026 ADSTAR Summit, which began in Adelaide today.
“Today is an invaluable opportunity for all of us to come together at ADSTAR, to discuss how we can take collective action to accelerate and enhance Australia’s asymmetric advantage to preserve peace, prosperity and security for all Australians,” Admiral Hammond added.
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