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Indo Pacific 2025: Autonomous systems reigned but can the Australian Defence Force afford it?

17th November 2025 - 14:55 GMT | by Gregor Ferguson in Sydney, Australia

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SubSea Craft (SSC) and Australian company Greenroom Robotics signed a teaming agreement at Indo Pacific involving SSC’s MARS USV, pictured. (Photo: SubSea Craft)

Multiple autonomous systems and technologies were on display at this year’s Indo Pacific, but questions remain over how the Australian Department of Defence will balance the books.

A great deal of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) budget is being spent on Australia’s Hunter-class frigate and nuclear-powered submarine programmes, but the force continues to pursue short-term autonomy and counter-uncrewed vehicle capabilities in line with its AUKUS commitments.

At Indo Pacific 2025 in Sydney, exhibitors demonstrated an aspiration to reduce the vulnerability of human crew members afloat, achieve attritable mass quickly and greatly extend the ADF’s strike range. Before next year’s federal budget in May, the Australian Department of Defence (Defence) expects to release an update of its National Defence Strategy (NDS) and industry is hoping for more money to deal with

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