The Hon Melissa Price MP
6 Apr 22
Release details
Release type
Related ministers and contacts
Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC
Minister for Defence
The Hon Melissa Price MP
Minister for Defence Industry
Minister for Science and Technology
Media contacts
Lauren Gianoli (Minister Reynolds’ Office): +61 428 570 417
Kathy Quinn (Minister Price’s office): +61 468 369 301
Defence Media (02) 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au
Release content
28 November 2019
Joint media release
- The Hon Melissa Price MP, Minister for Defence Industry
The Australian Government’s $1.3 billion program to deliver a cutting-edge armed remotely-piloted aircraft system is a step closer with the down-selection of the General Atomics MQ-9B ‘Sky Guardian’.
The next phase will focus on developing the MQ-9B acquisition proposal, which is scheduled for government consideration in 2021-22.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said this project will deliver Australia’s first armed Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System.
“Cutting-edge technology of this kind, with advanced sensors and systems, would complement advanced aircraft such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and ensure that Australian Defence Force maintains state-of-the-art capability,” Minister Reynolds said.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP encouraged Australian industry to become involved in this billion dollar project.
“Local companies that provide a range of innovative sensor, communication, manufacturing and life-cycle support capabilities will have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities throughout this development process,” Minister Price said.
“Australian defence industries are world-class and are extremely well-placed to be involved in projects like this.”