BAE unveils new Australian munition.

BAE Systems Australia officially unveiled its next-generation, Australian-designed and developed armed VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) uncrewed air system (UAS).

The hybrid, tandem wing, multi-domain and multi-role UAS capability STRIX could be used for a variety of missions including air-to-ground strike against hostile targets and persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) — with the company anticipating that the platform could also act as a “loyal wingman” for military helicopters.

The airframe is designed to carry up to a 160-kilogram payload over 800 kilometres, with STRIX being capable of operating in high-risk environments — the platform incorporates a collapsed footprint of 2.6m x 4.5m, it could be easily transported in a standard shipping container.

STRIX could be ready for operational service as soon as 2026 and work is already underway on a STRIX prototype. We’re excited that this is the first UAS of its kind to be developed in Australia and look forward to working with partners across the country to deliver this capability to customers.

STRIX will look to increase Australian sovereign capability by leveraging domestic expertise, such as Innovaero’s aircraft concept design and rapid prototyping. There will also be opportunities for wider Australian small and medium-sized enterprises and academia to get involved in the development, delivery, and flight test of the prototype.

STRIX will have the capacity to accommodate a range of munition types, including those currently in service with the Australian Defence Force.

BAE Systems Australia will also deliver a new low-cost precision-guided munition, known as RAZER, which could be integrated onto the platform to complement STRIX’s strike capability.