Australia Targets Military Future with Hypersonic Weapons, High-Energy Lasers

Australia has unveiled its new 10-year strategy to accelerate emerging technologies into operational military capabilities. The strategy, launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, identifies six capability priorities: long-range fires and hypersonic weapons, high-energy lasers, autonomous systems, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and undersea warfare.

The government has already awarded AUD21.3 million to AIM Defence to improve the combat readiness of its Fractl portable high-energy laser, while a parallel contract worth AUD10.4 million covers Corvo Strike, an interceptor drone intended to engage larger uncrewed aircraft.

The development of autonomous systems is also underway, with Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned aircraft nearing operational service. The program has passed several significant milestones since late 2025 and will establish an operational RAAF collaborative air combat capability by 2028.