Australian Army to Introduce Electric-Powered Kamikaze Drone "Owl"

 The Australian Army is set to deploy the "Owl," a new electric-powered kamikaze drone capable of traveling 200 kilometers and carrying precision warheads. Developed by Innovaero and Insitu Pacific, it enhances the ADF's tactical capabilities.

The Australian Army is set to introduce a new electric-powered kamikaze drone named the "Owl" before the end of this year. This advanced loitering munition has been in development for over two years and is currently being trialed by a special operations unit within the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Capabilities of the Owl

The Owl drone, developed by Kardinya-based firm Innovaero in collaboration with Boeing subsidiary Insitu Pacific, boasts impressive capabilities:

• Range and Endurance: It can travel up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) and can stay airborne for 30 minutes without needing to recharge.
• Payload: The drone carries seven kilograms (15 pounds) of anti-armor and fragmentation warheads, making it suitable for precision targeting of both stationary and moving targets.

Development and Funding

The development of the Owl has been supported by more than 5.3 million Australian dollars (approximately $3.5 million) in funding since May 2022. However, defense industry insiders have highlighted funding issues that have caused delays in various innovation programs. These delays are often attributed to the prioritization of larger, more expensive, and long-term projects like ships and aircraft over smaller, more immediate capabilities.

A source within the defense industry noted, “The services have so little funding that they can’t cover these small programs and meet their longer-term needs for ships and aircraft. There seems to have been a decision made that the priority is the big, expensive, and long term projects.”

Significance of the Owl Drone

The introduction of the Owl drone represents a significant step forward for the ADF in terms of modernizing its capabilities with advanced, unmanned systems. Electric-powered loitering munitions like the Owl offer several advantages, including reduced acoustic and thermal signatures, making them harder to detect and counter. Additionally, the ability to carry significant payloads for precision strikes enhances the operational flexibility of the ADF, particularly in special operations and other tactical scenarios.

Broader Context

Globally, the use of loitering munitions, often referred to as "kamikaze drones" or "suicide drones," is becoming more prevalent in modern military arsenals. These drones are designed to loiter in an area for an extended period, locate targets, and then execute precision strikes. Countries like the United States, Israel, and Turkey have already integrated similar systems into their military operations, reflecting a broader trend towards the use of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in warfare.

Future Prospects

With the planned induction of the Owl, the Australian Army is aligning itself with this global trend, aiming to enhance its operational capabilities and maintain a technological edge. As funding and development issues are addressed, it is expected that more such innovative systems will be introduced, further strengthening Australia's defense posture.

The deployment of the Owl is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local and international defense companies in advancing military technology and ensuring that the Australian Defence Force remains equipped to handle contemporary and future challenges.