Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 37 minutes ago
Australia is developing world-class uncrewed systems. But are they the right ones? The Lowy Institute's Mick Ryan argues that while the Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark represent genuine innovation, their eye-watering price tags mean they'll only ever be fielded in small numbers. He says what the ADF needs is a different balance: fewer exquisite systems and far more cheap, high-density drones that can be deployed at scale. As he puts it, Australia can't afford a champagne ADF — it's a beer and Bundaberg Rum force, and it's time to start acting like it.
Australia is developing world-class uncrewed systems. But are they the right ones? The Lowy Institute's Mick Ryan argues that while the Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark represent genuine innovation, their eye-watering price tags mean they'll only ever be fielded in small numbers. He says what the ADF needs is a different balance: fewer exquisite systems and far more cheap, high-density drones that can be deployed at scale. As he puts it, Australia can't afford a champagne ADF — it's a beer and Bundaberg Rum force, and it's time to start acting like it.
