New drone radio production line will boost advanced Defence manufacturing in SA

The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future, advancing a cutting-edge radio communications production line in South Australia through the DEF129 Uncrewed Aerial Systems project.

In July 2024, the Albanese Government announced its intention to invest over $100 million to boost the ADF’s arsenal of drones. One of the two drones selected was the Australian made Sypaq Systems CorvoX.

Codan Communications will deliver the Sentry Mesh 6161 radio into the Sypaq Systems CorvoX under a $15 million contract for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). 

The South Australia-based Codan Communications production facility will employ up to 18 highly skilled workers delivering precision engineering to support production, including video encoding, mesh and algorithms equipment packaging, and certification.

The supporting SUAS communication system provides the ADF with scalable solutions and enhanced communications capabilities.

The partnership between Codan Communications and Sypaq Systems to deliver new capabilities to the ADF is an example of the Albanese Government’s continuing commitment to a future made in Australia, supporting the future growth of the nation’s defence industry, and enhancing Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities through advanced local manufacturing and innovation. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:

“This project will create highly skilled jobs for South Australia and demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to building Australia’s future through a strengthening of Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities. 

“This project is also about providing the Australian Defence Force with the capabilities and equipment it needs to keep Australians safe.”