How DroneShield Built Global Impact Through Australian Design Leadership.

DroneShield (ASX:DRO) is an Australian sovereign defence technology company that specialises in counter-drone and counter–unmanned aerial system (UAS) technologies. From its beginnings at a kitchen table only a decade ago, the company has grown into one of Australia’s most successful defence innovators, employing more than 400 people.

The firm designs, engineers, and produces its systems locally, reflecting a deep commitment to Australian industry and capability.

What distinguishes DroneShield is its identity as a design-led business. Design thinking informs every facet of the organisation—from engineering to leadership and culture. Rather than treating design as an aesthetic or technical afterthought, DroneShield embeds it as a strategic capability that shapes decision-making, guides product innovation, and ensures every solution is intuitive, effective, and aligned with end-user needs.

This design-centric philosophy has enabled the company to compete successfully on a global stage against much larger defence firms.

REDARC DEFENCE & SPACE: DESIGNING POWER SOLUTIONS FOR EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS

REDARC Defence & Space (RDS) is the defence-oriented division of the South Australian electronics manufacturer REDARC Electronics, a company long recognised for its rugged, reliable power systems used across four-wheel driving, caravanning and off-grid recreational sectors. The Defence & Space division extends this capability into military and space markets, leveraging the broader organisation’s intellectual property, engineering depth and advanced manufacturing facilities.

As Executive General Manager Scott Begbie explains, the division exists “to leverage the IP that comes out of the REDARC group, everything from electronic design to surface-mount manufacturing lines, EMC test chambers, shock and vibration capabilities, and the know-how of how to manufacture product”. This foundation enables REDARC to design and produce silent, modular, mission-critical power systems for defence customers in some of the harshest environments in the world.

Their identity as an Australian manufacturer is a strategic advantage; products designed to survive Australia’s dust, heat, rough terrain and remote conditions naturally meet the needs of global military clients. Being based in South Australia also enables close collaboration with local suppliers, rapid response to issues, and deep integration with regional industry capabilities. The company embraces its position as both a sovereign capability builder and a global competitor from the moment its products leave the factory floor.