DroneShield opens Adelaide research hub in expansion

DroneShield has opened a new research and development hub in Adelaide, its first Australian facility outside Sydney.

The centre represents an investment of about AUD $13 million and expands the company's domestic engineering base as demand rises for systems that detect and counter drone threats.

The Adelaide operation includes software development space and dry laboratory facilities for engineers working on embedded systems, sensing, communications, software and electronic warfare. Located within one of the city's innovation precincts, it will support development of the company's next-generation counter-drone and electronic warfare systems.

The move broadens DroneShield's Australian research footprint, which had previously been centred in Sydney. The Adelaide team will contribute to technology aimed at both current and emerging operational needs.

Adelaide expansion

South Australia's Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Chris Picton, attended the opening, underscoring the state government's interest in attracting more defence technology work and skilled engineering roles to Adelaide.

DroneShield describes the expansion as part of a broader investment in Australian research, engineering and technology development. It also comes as defence and security organisations face a wider range of drone threats, increasing pressure on suppliers to shorten development cycles across sensing, software and electronic warfare.

DroneShield is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and has headquarters in Australia, the United States and the Netherlands. Its products are used by military, government, law enforcement and critical infrastructure customers.

Adelaide has raised its profile in recent years as a defence industry centre, with activity spanning naval shipbuilding, space, advanced manufacturing and defence technology. That has helped attract companies seeking access to engineers and closer links to government and defence programmes.

The new facility is expected to strengthen DroneShield's ability to recruit and retain staff in that market. The Adelaide office will focus on engineering rather than manufacturing, with an emphasis on software and laboratory-based development.

Talent focus

The decision reflects broader competition among Australian defence technology companies for specialist staff in areas such as radio frequency systems, embedded software and electronic warfare. A presence in more than one city can widen the recruitment pool and reduce reliance on a single location.

It also supports South Australia's efforts to deepen sovereign defence technology development, a theme that has become more prominent as federal and state governments seek to build more domestic industrial capacity in strategically sensitive sectors.

Angus Bean, Chief Executive Officer, DroneShield, said: “Adelaide has established itself as one of Australia's leading centres for defence and advanced technology innovation. Opening our Adelaide office strengthens our ability to access exceptional engineering talent and further expand our Australian research and development capabilities.”

Picton linked the opening to the state's wider industry ambitions: “DroneShield basing its R&D hub in Adelaide is a huge vote of confidence in our state's growing defence industry. The new facility will create highly skilled jobs, boost local innovation and strengthen our national defence.”