ADF acquires two Fractl laser systems

High-power laser manufacturer, AIM Defence, will supply an additional two counter-drone Fractl units to the Australian Defence Force under a new $4.8 million agreement.

Earlier this year, the ADF’s first directed energy systems contract was awarded to AIM Defence following a series of successful military trials and demonstrations of the portable, counter-drone ‘hard kill’ system at the Puckapunyal weapons test range.

The ADF has now purchased an additional two Fractl counter-drone systems, rapidly accelerating the ADF’s counter drone capability and validating the effectiveness of AIM’s cutting-edge technology, according to the company.

AIM Defence Co-CEO Dr Jae Daniel said: “This latest ADF acquisition will allow all three systems to be networked and used in tactical scenarios to track a single drone simultaneously, or combat multiple aerial threats.”

The purchase follows up AIM’s recent award of first place at the Canadian counter-drone sandbox where Fractl was shown off to global allies and NATO member states.

Under the latest contract, AIM Defence will deliver maintenance support, and future software and hardware upgrades, for all three Fractl units taken into service.

Army personnel will also be trained by AIM Defence in the safe operation of the Fractl system, which is deployed from a ruggedised case and operated remotely using a handheld console.

Army’s field testing of the Fractl system will provide important feedback, directly from operators, to enable AIM Defence to further refine the system.

AIM Defence is continuing to ramp up its manufacturing capacity with the goal of producing 10 Fractl units in the next 12 months at its 4,000 square metre manufacturing facility in Melbourne with an
ultimate capacity expected to be over 100 units per year.

AIM Defence Co-CEO Jessica Glenn said: “AIM’s ongoing partnership with the ADF has allowed Australia to become one of the world leaders in the research, manufacture, and fielding of tactical directed energy systems.”

Further reading:
AIM Defence awarded $4.9 million contract for anti-drone laser weapon prototype
AIM Defence scores $1m in drone competition

Picture: AIM Defence