A project seeking to develop early warning systems against drone attacks has received a $190,000 WA Government grant to continue its work.
WA company UXMachines and The University of Western Australia have been awarded $190,000 through the Government’s Defence and Research Teaming (DaRT) program.
The project is investigating how low-cost optical sensor networks can detect and track drones and aims to reduce potential aerial threats to Australia’s Defence personnel, infrastructure, and critical assets
The program, End-to-End Meshed Network of Low SAaP-C Optical Sensor Nodes to Provide Early Warning Capability to Vital Assets from UAS Threats, was selected for funding through the 2025-26 DaRT grant round – a competitive funding process administered by Defence West’s Defence Science Centre.
“Over the next decade, defence is set to become Western Australia’s second largest industry, helping us remain the strongest economy in the nation and the best place in the world to get a quality job,” said WA Premier, Roger Cook.
“This project strengthens our sovereign defence capability and supports our priority to make more things right here in WA.
“As drone technology evolves, advanced detection and early‑warning systems are becoming critical.
“This grant recognises the expertise we have in WA, and the role our State can play in tackling emerging defence challenges.”
The DaRT program serves to foster collaboration between Defence, industry and research organisations to develop innovative solutions to Australia’s defence and security challenges.
“This funding is for a unique project that explores new approaches to protecting Defence personnel, infrastructure and strategic assets,” said Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Industries, Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“This is an example of an innovative project that will help ensure WA is at the forefront of defence innovation.”
