Global counter-drone and electronic warfare leader DroneShield has announced a major $13 million investment to establish a new research and development (R&D) facility in Adelaide, South Australia. This strategic expansion, spanning three years of operational and capital expenditure, will create approximately 20 high-skilled engineering roles, reinforcing the region’s status as a premier defence and aerospace hub.
The new Adelaide facility will focus on advancing DroneShield’s capabilities in radio frequency (RF) electronics, systems integration, and electronic warfare (EW). This initiative is designed to accelerate the development of next-generation defence technologies, directly supporting the company’s ambitious technology roadmap. The location was selected for its proximity to leading global defence organisations, a highly skilled engineering workforce, and established infrastructure conducive to advanced technology development.
This announcement coincides with a period of remarkable growth for DroneShield, which has recently surpassed 400 employees globally. Its team has nearly doubled in the last year and more than quadrupled over two years, with approximately 300 staff being software and hardware engineers. This deep technical talent pool underscores the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge capabilities. An additional 100 open roles highlight its continued rapid expansion.
Chief Executive Oleg Vornik stated that establishing the R&D office in Adelaide is a strategic move to leverage the region’s expertise. Chief Product and Technology Officer Angus Bean added that the facility is critical for accelerating project development for global customers. The Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas, welcomed the investment, noting it strengthens the state’s research and development ecosystem and economic prosperity.
