58. Defendtex – Australia
Defendtex, an Australian defense technology company, has rapidly gained recognition for its innovative and cost-effective unmanned aerial systems, particularly in the realm of loitering munitions.
With a focus on disruptive battlefield systems, Defendtex aims to provide highly portable, versatile, and expendable drones that can be easily integrated into existing military equipment and tactics.
Its approach emphasizes rapid development and scalable production to meet the demands of modern conflict.
Defendtex’s most prominent drone offerings for defense include their D40 (Drone40), D81 (Drone81), and D155 (Drone155) series.
The D40 is a compact, grenade-launcher compatible quadcopter that can also be hand-launched, designed for both intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and precision strike missions. It can carry various payloads, including explosive warheads (anti-personnel, anti-armor) or camera modules, and is capable of autonomous flight and swarming.
The D81 and D155 are larger variants, offering increased payload capacity and range, with the D155 designed to be tube-launched.
Defendtex’s loitering munitions are notable for their low cost per unit and adaptability for simultaneous impact and diverse applications, including counter-UAS roles. Its systems have seen operational use, notably with the UK donating D40s to Ukraine, highlighting their effectiveness in contested environments.
