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Australian defenceInternational airspaceRegulatory updatePublic safetyInternational policyAustralian industryPublic safetyAustralian eventSafety researchResearchInternational policyIndustry technologyAustralian eventPublic safetyRegulatory updateCASA updatePolicy and programs
Ghost Shark payloads include tube-launched aerial drones
The Australian Government has disclosed three payload categories for the Royal Australian Navy's Ghost Shark autonomous underwater vehicle. The system can deploy swarms of tube-launched ALTIUS uncrewed aircraft for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance or strike missions, alongside sea mines and logistics caches.
Source: Australian Government — Defence MinistersFAA restricts unauthorised drone flights along the US–Mexico border
A new temporary flight restriction bars unauthorised drone operations within one nautical mile north of the US–Mexico border, from the surface to 400 feet above ground level. The FAA says operators must review the applicable NOTAM and restrictions before flying.
Source: U.S. Federal Aviation AdministrationCASA publishes outcomes of three drone-rule consultations
CASA has summarised industry feedback on risk-based NOTAM requirements for some area approvals, relocating Part 101 record-keeping provisions, and nationally consistent Remote Pilot Licence examinations. The feedback will inform the final approach; the proposals are not yet final rules.
Source: Civil Aviation Safety AuthorityNSW moves to procure drone detection technology for prisons
The NSW Government is procuring counter-drone technology after two alleged attempts to deliver drugs to correctional centres by drone. Corrective Services NSW identified radio-frequency detection and radar as preferred options, while deployment timing remains unannounced.
Source: ABC NewsEU sanctions suppliers linked to drone and missile production
The Council of the European Union added 826 companies and 743 executives from Russia's military-industrial complex to its sanctions lists. The listed suppliers provide components used in advanced systems including drones, missiles and aircraft.
Source: Council of the European UnionAustralian-developed tube-launched reconnaissance drone unveiled
SYPAQ Systems has launched Corvo Vipera, a compact small uncrewed aircraft designed for rapid intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Its folding-boom quadcopter can be deployed from vehicles, vessels or by personnel on foot and supports modular payloads and communications.
Source: Australian Defence MagazineWestern Australia funds investigation of AI-powered shark-spotting drones
The WA Government has allocated funding to investigate AI-assisted shark-spotting drones as part of a wider A$5 million package that also expands aerial surveillance, beach patrols and shark tagging.
Source: ABC NewsAustralian autonomy conference examines uncrewed systems in defence
Held alongside Land Forces 2026 in Perth, the AAUS conference covered Australian Defence Force programs, emerging uncrewed technology, operational lessons and defence innovation funding.
Source: Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS)FAA awards US$12 million for safe drone integration research
The funding supports 19 research and testing projects covering detect-and-avoid systems, long-range operations, drone identity and the integration of drone traffic with traditional air traffic systems.
Source: U.S. Federal Aviation AdministrationBrain-inspired imaging system tracks moving objects through fog
Brown University researchers demonstrated a low-power event-camera and neural-network system that tracked moving targets in laboratory fog, with potential applications in search-and-rescue drones.
Source: Brown UniversityUnited States announces new drone-focused military command
The United States has announced plans for a new four-star command to oversee the rollout of autonomous and robotic military capabilities.
Source: Associated PressAustralian counter-drone sensing development enters new phase
Visionary Machines and Hanwha Defence Australia are assessing Australian passive drone detection and tracking technology for Redback infantry fighting vehicles.
Source: Australian Defence MagazineAustralian Drone Nationals conclude in Brisbane
The four-day FPV championship concluded with 81 pilots. South Korea's flowerpig won Open Class and the United States' Screecher won Pro Spec.
Source: Australian FPV Association (AUFPV)NSW expands shark-surveillance drone technology
NSW is extending coastal surveillance hours and preparing drone-in-a-box trials at seven beaches alongside AI-assisted species-identification trials.
Source: NSW GovernmentConsultation opens on drone security
Australian Government consultation addressing wider security risks and responsible drone use.
Source: Australian Government Department of InfrastructureAusSORA for complex drone operations
CASA guidance on using the Australian Specific Operations Risk Assessment for complex applications.
Source: Civil Aviation Safety AuthorityEmerging aviation technologies
Australian Government information on drone policy, programs and emerging aviation technology resources.
Source: Australian Government Department of InfrastructureNew SITA discussion paper
Airspace governance: from permission to coordination
A three-part editorial series on institutional responsibility, digital airspace services and the public legitimacy of low-altitude operations.
SITA publication status
SITA's airspace-governance discussion paper is published as an association editorial perspective, not regulatory guidance. Future material will be added only after sources, authorship, partner references and publication status are reviewed.
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