HighCom Lands $9.81M Defence Deal to Supply Counter-Drone Systems by Mid-2026
HighCom Limited (ASX: HCL) has secured a A$9.81 million contract from the Australian Department of Defence to supply Counter Small Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) products and support services. The order, valued at A$8.99 million excluding GST, marks HighCom Technology’s first major contract in the C-UAS domain and is expected to deliver by the end of June 2026.
HighCom secures A$9.81 million Defence contract for counter-drone systems
HighCom’s wholly owned subsidiary, HighCom Technology, will partner with Danish defence technology firm MyDefence AS to fulfil the contract. The agreement represents a strategic milestone for HighCom Technology as it enters the counter-drone market with its first substantial order from Defence.
Product delivery and payment are both scheduled to occur by the end of June 2026, positioning the contract for near-term revenue recognition in FY26. The scope covers C-UAS products alongside associated delivery and support services, reinforcing HighCom Technology’s positioning as a value-added technology integrator to the Australian Defence Force.
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What is counter-UAS technology and why does Defence need it?
Counter Small Uncrewed Aerial System technology provides military and security forces with the capability to detect, track, and neutralise small drones that pose operational threats. As commercial drone technology becomes increasingly accessible, military forces worldwide face growing risks from small, low-cost aerial systems used for reconnaissance, surveillance, or direct attack.
C-UAS solutions typically integrate multiple technologies including radio frequency detection, radar tracking, and electronic countermeasures. These systems enable defence personnel to identify hostile drones, assess their threat level, and deploy appropriate responses ranging from signal jamming to physical interception.
The proliferation of small drones in conflict zones has driven rapid growth in the global C-UAS market. Defence organisations now require layered protection systems capable of countering drone threats across different operational environments, from forward operating bases to critical infrastructure sites.
For HighCom, entry into this market represents revenue diversification beyond its established position in small uncrewed aerial systems and ballistic protection. The contract validates the company’s capability to deliver emerging defence technologies and positions it to capture additional C-UAS opportunities as Defence expands its counter-drone programmes.
MyDefence partnership brings operational experience
MyDefence AS, the Danish partner supplying C-UAS products under the contract, brings solutions developed and validated in real-world environments. The company has committed to increasing its engagement in Australia and the broader Indo-Pacific region, combining global expertise with HighCom’s local delivery and support capabilities.
The partnership structure leverages complementary strengths:
- MyDefence: C-UAS products and operational expertise validated in active deployment environments
- HighCom Technology: Local delivery, systems integration, maintenance, and lifecycle support services tailored to Australian Defence requirements
Dan Hermansen, CEO of MyDefence Group, described the contract as “a strategic step in our long-term commitment to Australia and the Indo-Pacific region,” noting that the partnership enables delivery of proven capabilities “in an Australian context, combining global expertise with strong local support.”
Contract details and delivery timeline
The agreement covers the supply of C-UAS products and associated support services, with delivery and payment both expected by the end of June 2026. This near-term delivery schedule positions the contract for revenue recognition in the current financial year.
| Contract Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contract Value | A$9.81m (incl GST) / A$8.99m (ex GST) |
| Customer | Australian Department of Defence |
| Delivery Partner | MyDefence AS |
| Delivery Timeline | By end of June 2026 |
| Scope | C-UAS products and support services |
Management commentary
Bede Galvin, Acting President of HighCom Technology, emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership and contract award for the company’s market positioning.
Bede Galvin, Acting President, HighCom Technology
“This significant partnership and the signing of a contract with Defence underscores our market position as a supplier of new capabilities, advanced technologies, systems integrations and support services to the Defence sector.”
Galvin noted that HighCom Technology is focused on the integration of uncrewed aerial systems, counter-UAS solutions, and associated command and control systems, working in close collaboration with its sister division, HighCom Armor Systems. He added that the company is “proud to support Defence with proven, operationally relevant solutions and look forward to delivering this program in FY27.”
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HighCom’s broader Defence capabilities
HighCom Technology’s focus areas span uncrewed aerial systems, counter-UAS solutions, and command and control systems integration. The division collaborates closely with HighCom Armor Systems, which designs and manufactures specialist lightweight ballistic protection solutions including the proprietary XTclave technology.
The contract reinforces HighCom Technology’s position as a trusted value-added technology integrator to the ADF, validating its integrated offering across both technology and armour divisions. This positioning creates potential pathways for follow-on work as Defence expands its counter-drone capabilities and operational requirements.
HighCom’s two business divisions deliver complementary capabilities:
- HighCom Technology — Small uncrewed aerial systems (SUAS), C-UAS solutions, sensor payloads, systems integration, maintenance, composite repairs, and logistics support services
- HighCom Armor Systems — Body armour, ballistic helmets, composite armour panels, and XTclave technology for lightweight ballistic protection
The A$9.81 million C-UAS contract positions HighCom to deliver its first major counter-drone programme to the Australian Department of Defence by June 2026. With product delivery and payment expected within the current financial year, the agreement marks a near-term revenue milestone while establishing HighCom Technology’s credentials in an emerging defence technology segment.
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