The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) announced Mission Syracuse in May 2025.

The mission is focussed on supporting Defence’s counter small uncrewed aerial system (CsUAS) capability.

It addresses the following problem statement: how might we provide viable sovereign effector options for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) integrated force capability optimised to mitigate the threats posed by small UAS?

Milestones

In April 2026, ASCA announced it had entered into contracts with 2 Australian organisations, AIM Defence and SYPAQ Systems, providing a combined $31.7 million (excluding GST) to strengthen sovereign counter‑drone technology for the ADF.

Funding will enable AIM Defence to further enhance the capability and combat readiness of its high-powered counter-drone laser system, Fractl, to counter individual and swarms of drones. This portable high energy laser system is capable of tracking objects as small as a 10-cent piece at more than 100kph and powerful enough to burn through steel.

SYPAQ Systems will build on their expertise in affordable, high performance uncrewed air vehicles to develop the Corvo Strike, an interceptor drone designed to track, target and destroy larger drones now commonly employed on battlefields.

Background

The Request for Proposal opened on 7 May 2025 through AusTender – ASCA Misson Syracuse, and closed on 6 June.

A virtual marketing briefing for industry and academia occurred on 15 May 2025.