Chris Picton MP
Minister for State Development
Minister for Defence & Space Industries
DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone and electronic warfare solutions, has officially opened its new Research and Development Hub at Lot Fourteen.
The ASX-listed company is establishing a South Australian hub for advanced engineering and product development – growing high-skilled technology jobs and contributing to the state’s status as a national leader in defence innovation and technology development.
The facility will create approximately 20 specialised engineering roles, focused on radio frequency electronics, electronic warfare and systems interoperability, to directly support DroneShield’s mission to deliver cutting-edge counter-drone technologies.
DroneShield joins more than 160 innovative organisations at Lot Fourteen from global tech leaders, renowned research powerhouses and defence primes and from 2028, BAE Systems Australia and the Australian Defence Technologies Academy.
The company’s new Research and Development (R&D) facility has been supported by the South Australian Government’s Investment Accelerator Program, which is designed to attract innovative, high-growth interstate companies to the state, creating more high-skilled and well-paid local jobs in priority sectors.
The establishment of Droneshield’s local operations is a significant boost for South Australia’s defence ecosystem, deepening the state’s expertise in emerging and innovative technologies and strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability.
Quotes attributable to Chris Picton
DroneShield basing its R&D hub in Adelaide is a huge vote of confidence in our state’s growing defence industry.
The new facility will create highly skilled jobs, boost local innovation and strengthen our national defence.
We’ve doubled the economic impact of our defence industry in five years, and more and more companies are choosing to be based here.
This further strengthens our position as a globally competitive destination for national and international investment.
Quotes attributable to Angus Bean, Chief Executive DroneShield
South Australia is recognised as a national leader in defence and space industries, with Adelaide home to exceptional engineering talent.
Establishing at Lot Fourteen our first dedicated R&D Facility outside of our Headquarters is a natural step, given the strong alignment between the innovation district’s defence and high-tech ecosystem, and DroneShield’s mission.
We know that the innovation ecosystem at Lot Fourteen ensures we’re operating in a culture of innovation and cross-sector collaboration between startups, corporates, researchers, and government.
DroneShield’s new facility in South Australia represents a major milestone in our continuous efforts to enhance Australia’s counter-drone capabilities.
Thanks to support from the South Australian Government, we’re able to accelerate our establishment in the state continue to develop our world-leading capability, all while supporting national security and creating high-skilled engineering jobs in South Australia.
