Australia is being warned to be smarter about how it tackles evolving threats from drone technology, which can damage critical infrastructure and aid in espionage.
While the war in Ukraine has shown the utility and effectiveness of drones, not enough has been done to counter the threat, a report by The Asia Group determined.
Drones can damage infrastructure, including data centres and power plants, jam or hack communications, contaminate water supplies, disrupt air traffic and help with espionage.
Deploying low cost sensors, mandating strict oversight and reporting of their use, allowing companies running critical infrastructure sites to take down drones if certain conditions are met and developing defensive technology has been recommended in the first instance.
Longer term reforms include creating a whole-of-government strategy, similar to moves in the US, UK and Europe, to better manage risks and enhance intelligence and threat monitoring capabilities, including by ensuring a national incident register tracks and logs the misuse of drones.
While the war in Ukraine had showcased the military capabilities of drones, more attention needed to go towards defending domestic sites, The Asia Group said.
The lack of attention on defensive technology "is manifesting as a national security risk," its report, released on Wednesday, said.
"While drones offer benefits, their misuse by criminal, state, and non-state actors presents serious security risks," it said.
"Recent Ukraine and Israeli operations have demonstrated how small, inexpensive drones can be deployed at scale to infiltrate targeted territory and deliver coordinated, high-impact effects.
"There is a clear need for Australia to develop and enforce comprehensive processes and strategies for enabling critical infrastructure to respond to nefarious uncrewed aerial systems."
Ukraine's ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko has said enhanced co-operation between the two nations on drone technology given Ukraine's battlefield experience would be valuable.
Australia has joined an international drone coalition that provides the systems to Ukraine and fosters innovation between defence industries.
