Autonomy and Australian Air Power

Australia’s strategic requirements as articulated in the 2024 National Defence Strategy demand an innovative approach to air power that is constrained by geography and demography. This paper argues that Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) are essential to overcoming challenges of combat mass, range, survivability and personnel constraints. Autonomy enables extended endurance, reduced reliance on vulnerable infrastructure, lower acquisition costs, and sovereign manufacturing that fosters resilience and innovation. CCAs such as the MQ-28A Ghost Bat enhance lethality and survivability, while large numbers of lower-cost ACPs provide affordable depth. Together, these systems – integrated with crewed aircraft and innovative operational concepts – position the Royal Australian Air Force to deliver sustainable combat power that is tailored to contemporary strategic realities.