Australia, US in joint autonomy studies

The Australian Army has joined allies and partners in Project Convergence which is testing and developing networks, robotic and autonomous systems, air defence and strike related systems.

Project Convergence is a US-led campaign of learning through experimentation.

The project was designed to aggressively advance and integrate technology across all warfighting domains, to overmatch an adversary in competition and conflict, according to a Defence statement.

Director Australian Defence Force Multi-Domain Strike Colonel Casey Guidolin said being part of Project Convergence meant the ADF could test more new and emerging technologies as a part of a coalition force.

Colonel Guidolin said: “Project Convergence Capstone Four provided Australia with the opportunity to work closely with allies and partners to promote a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

“The ADF continues to test and invest in new and emerging technologies through multinational activities such as Project Convergence.

“In a time of heightened competition and conflict, working with the militaries of our allies and partners ensures we can work together as an integrated force in all warfighting domains on national defence.”

The Project was hosted by the United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Space Force, and included participants from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France and Japan.

It ran between 23 February and 20 March 2024 as a two-phase ‘in the dirt’ experiment at two locations in California.

This year’s event provided the Australian Army the opportunity to test capability modernisation as an integrated force for Australia’s national defence across all warfighting domains – land, air, sea, space, cyber.

Approximately 120 Australian soldiers were involved in Project Convergence, building skills and relationships with international partners and allies.

Picture: Defence/Spc. Marquis McCants/Australian Army soldiers Signallers Harley Leggett and Lachlan Colquhoun set up a communications tower during Project Convergence Capstone 4 at Camp Pendleton, California in March 2024.