STRIX Steals the Show at Avalon

As the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere with over 800 companies in attendance, the Avalon International Airshow has provided a platform for Australia to showcase its technological advancements and partnerships in the defence sector. Against the backdrop of a rapidly changing strategic environment with rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and the ongoing Ukrainian war, the event has highlighted Australia's commitment to the development of sovereign capability, and the maintainenance of a strong defence posture in the region.

One of the most notable moments of this year's airshow was the unveiling of the STRIX, Australia's first domestically designed, manufactured, and armed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) Uncrewed Air System (UAS). Developed by BAE Systems Australia in partnership with Perth-based Innovaero, the STRIX has the potential to significantly enhance Australia's military capability. Its hybrid, tandem wing, multi-domain, and multi-role UAS capability is said to be suitable for a range of missions, including air-to-ground strikes against hostile targets and persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Its VTOL capability means it can be used without relying on an airfield and can be operated from a helicopter to expand the mission set and protect aircrew in high-threat environments.

The potential for unmanned aerial technology to enhance Australia's military capability in the future is significant, especially as the trend towards UAS adoption continues, such as Japan's announcement that it will replace its aging helicopter fleet with solely UAS.

Work is already underway on a prototype, and STRIX could be ready for operational service as soon as 2026.?