In October 2025, Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) moved to delivery phase, entering into an 18-month contract valued at $20.8 million with Innovaero for their One Way Loitering (OWL)-B flight vehicle.

Under the contract, ASCA will seek to refine the platform further before achieving the final-configuration for operational employment. A series of test and evaluation activities will follow to validate the OWL-B and its ability to meet Australian Defence Force (ADF) requirements in a multi-domain environment.

This is the first time the ADF is introducing into service and certifying a sovereign designed and built Precision Loitering Munition. Mission Talon-Strike will pave the way for domestic manufacturing of a loitering munition system, capable of precision strike with a guided missile.

Precision loitering munitions are a hybrid weapon system with characteristics of missiles and drones that enable the operator to loiter over an area to identify targets and strike with enhanced accuracy and reduced risk.

The sovereign solution will strengthen the ADF’s strike capabilities, and provide the Army with enhanced force protection. It will complement long-range strike capabilities, increasing the reach and lethality of the Army.

Background

ASCA released the Request for Tender for ASCA Mission Talon-Strike on 9 May 2025 seeking proposals from industry for the delivery of a low-cost, domestic manufactured, medium-range precision loitering munition.

Talon-Strike will address the problem statement: How might we strike land targets from medium range with low cost, land-launched loitering munitions?