According to Australian Defence Magazine, Australia has purchased Ukrainian-made drone detection systems as part of its Land 156 program, which includes the acquisition of drone and counter-drone technologies. These contracts, valued at AUD 16.9 million, were announced by the Australian Minister for Defence Industry.
The purchased systems include the Ukrainian-made Sugar V, an ultra-lightweight passive drone detector currently used by the Ukrainian military. Weighing only 250 grams, the device was developed by Ukrainian company Drone Spices and manufactured by Gnizdo.
Under the agreement, Gnizdo will also promote Advent’s Horas TDE AI positioning system in Ukraine.
The Sugar V is a compact evolution of the Tsukorok detector, modified by Advent Atum, Drone Spices, and Gnizdo for the Australian Defence Force. It detects radio signals between drones and their operators, enabling users to track devices such as Russian Orlan, Eleron, Zala, Supercam, and Lancet drones, as well as other equipment operating on similar frequencies.
The Land 156 program consists of three phases: system integration; procurement of drones and counter-drone systems; and a third phase focusing on “software as a service.” The contract awarded for the second phase is valued at USD 16.9 million.
The Australian government stated, “This means that, after testing, the Australian Defence Force will rapidly deploy at least 120 of the world’s most powerful threat detectors and counter-drone technologies.” Australia will announce further procurements in the coming months, including command and control equipment, sensors, and drone mitigation tools to strengthen the protection of defense infrastructure.
(Tsukorok infantry drone detector, Ukraine, May 2024)
In March this year, Thales Australia, drawing on lessons from Ukraine, began testing Bushmaster armored vehicles equipped with an automated electronic warfare system to counter drones. This system can detect threats and adjust response strategies in real time.
（Bushmaster）