Innovative counter-drone ammunition designed and manufactured in South Australia has been showcased to a global audience in London at the Defence and Security Equipment International.

ARES Chief Executive Officer, Jason Murray, said the world-leading ‘Rooster’ technology was developed by the company’s in-house ballistics engineers and represented a breakthrough in counter-unmanned aerial defence.

“This is the innovation the world has been waiting for,” Mr Murray said.

“Drones have become one of the most dangerous threats facing modern militaries and civilian populations alike. With Rooster, we are offering a solution that is effective and simple.”

Unlike traditional counter-drone systems that require bulky addon weapons, specialist training, or complex technology, the Rooster round allows soldiers to defend themselves and their units with the rifles they already carry.

The design also significantly reduces risk of collateral damage and fallout, ensuring safety for friendly forces and civilian populations.

Field trials have successfully demonstrated the ammunition’s ability to engage and neutralise drones with an increase in target hit probability.

With successful trials complete, ARES Armaments Australia is preparing Rooster for a wider suite of testing and compatibility with multiple weapons systems.

In addition to explosive ordnance, ARES Armaments Australia specialises in made-to-order, industrialised hand-loaded precision ammunition which is matched to the needs of Defence and law enforcement agencies.

ARES Armaments Australia is one of 50 South Australian companies represented at DSEI UK this week where the theme for 2025 is ‘Preparing the Future Force’.

Held over four days in London, DSEI UK brings together the global defence industry, enabling attendees to meet suppliers and manufacturers and drive business development.