Australian Government Invests in CorvoX Drones to Enhance its Surveillance Capabilities
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In response to the rapid evolution of military technologies and the growing importance of drones in defense and surveillance operations, the Australian government announced on January 22, 2025, the acquisition of advanced communication systems to equip Sypaq Systems’ CorvoX drones. This strategic initiative, part of the DEF129 project, reflects Australia’s aim to modernize its military capabilities while supporting its defense manufacturing industry in South Australia. It also underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its technological sovereignty.
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The CORVO family, developed by SYPAQ, represents a range of advanced autonomous systems built to meet demanding military and commercial requirements. (Picture source: SYPAQ)
The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) recently confirmed that Codan Communications, an Adelaide-based company, has secured a 15-million-Australian-dollar (9.4-million-US-dollar) contract to supply its advanced Sentry Mesh 6161 radios. These systems will be integrated into CorvoX drones, part of a broader investment of over 100 million Australian dollars announced in July 2024. This funding aims to expand the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) unmanned aerial system (UAS) inventory, emphasizing improved surveillance capabilities and interoperability. These strategic investments are designed to prepare the ADF for modern operational scenarios by incorporating autonomous and innovative solutions.
The CORVO family, developed by SYPAQ, represents a range of advanced autonomous systems built to meet demanding military and commercial requirements. Manufactured in Australia, these robust systems are designed to operate in challenging environments. The CORVO platforms include both fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones, adaptable to various operational roles through multiple payload options. They excel in real-time surveillance and photogrammetry, offering advanced features such as target tracking, moving target indication, image enhancement, encoding, and STANAG 4609-compliant video feeds. Their seamless integration is ensured by the CORVO Payload Interface, which enables efficient data processing from capture to delivery.
CORVO systems are supported by a common ground control station (GCS), a compact, ruggedized device that combines command, control, and data visualization functionalities. SYPAQ also provides customized GCS solutions tailored to specific user needs. Designed to enhance operational readiness, these systems are well-suited for surveillance, reconnaissance, and complex civilian applications. SYPAQ is a member of the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS), an organization dedicated to advancing drone technology and air mobility innovation.
Codan Communications has announced that its new production facility in South Australia will create up to 18 highly skilled jobs. Workers will focus on precision engineering tasks, including video encoding, equipment packaging for mesh networks, algorithm development, and certification processes for the Sentry Mesh 6161 radios. This effort aims to deliver robust, scalable communication solutions tailored to the needs of the CorvoX drones and ADF missions.
The Sentry Mesh 6161 radios are software-defined systems featuring mobile ad hoc network (MANET) waveforms. Using Codan’s proprietary MeshUltra technology, the radios optimize bandwidth usage with a “Token Passing” protocol to reduce collisions and ensure predictable data packet latency. Weighing 410 grams with a 2-watt output, these radios employ a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) RF architecture and include a GPS receiver with an integrated antenna for precise position location information (PLI). These features enhance the reliability and operational efficiency of CorvoX drones, even in complex environments.
The CorvoX drones equipped with Sentry Mesh 6161 radios are part of a broader DEF129 effort to develop and acquire diverse unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the ADF. This program aims to enhance surveillance capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and complement crewed systems. By focusing on integration and interoperability, these drones play a pivotal role in Australia’s defense strategy to address potential threats and ensure national security.
Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, emphasized the strategic importance of this project for Australia. He highlighted the creation of highly skilled engineering jobs and the strengthening of sovereign production capabilities. According to the minister, this project aligns with the government’s commitment to equipping the ADF with essential resources while fostering local technological expertise.
This project is part of a larger investment plan in drone technology. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Australian government has allocated over 10 billion Australian dollars to modernize defense capabilities in this field. Of this amount, 4.3 billion dollars are earmarked for uncrewed aerial platforms, while 690 million dollars are dedicated to acquiring tactical systems for the Army. These investments reflect Australia’s ambition to become a regional leader in military technological innovation while reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
The acquisition of Sentry Mesh 6161 radios and the development of CorvoX drones demonstrate Australia’s strategic commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and supporting its sovereign defense industry. This initiative represents a significant step forward for the Australian Defence Force, addressing current and future security challenges through cutting-edge technological solutions and substantial investments in national infrastructure.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
In response to the rapid evolution of military technologies and the growing importance of drones in defense and surveillance operations, the Australian government announced on January 22, 2025, the acquisition of advanced communication systems to equip Sypaq Systems’ CorvoX drones. This strategic initiative, part of the DEF129 project, reflects Australia’s aim to modernize its military capabilities while supporting its defense manufacturing industry in South Australia. It also underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening its technological sovereignty.
The CORVO family, developed by SYPAQ, represents a range of advanced autonomous systems built to meet demanding military and commercial requirements. (Picture source: SYPAQ)
The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) recently confirmed that Codan Communications, an Adelaide-based company, has secured a 15-million-Australian-dollar (9.4-million-US-dollar) contract to supply its advanced Sentry Mesh 6161 radios. These systems will be integrated into CorvoX drones, part of a broader investment of over 100 million Australian dollars announced in July 2024. This funding aims to expand the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) unmanned aerial system (UAS) inventory, emphasizing improved surveillance capabilities and interoperability. These strategic investments are designed to prepare the ADF for modern operational scenarios by incorporating autonomous and innovative solutions.
The CORVO family, developed by SYPAQ, represents a range of advanced autonomous systems built to meet demanding military and commercial requirements. Manufactured in Australia, these robust systems are designed to operate in challenging environments. The CORVO platforms include both fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones, adaptable to various operational roles through multiple payload options. They excel in real-time surveillance and photogrammetry, offering advanced features such as target tracking, moving target indication, image enhancement, encoding, and STANAG 4609-compliant video feeds. Their seamless integration is ensured by the CORVO Payload Interface, which enables efficient data processing from capture to delivery.
CORVO systems are supported by a common ground control station (GCS), a compact, ruggedized device that combines command, control, and data visualization functionalities. SYPAQ also provides customized GCS solutions tailored to specific user needs. Designed to enhance operational readiness, these systems are well-suited for surveillance, reconnaissance, and complex civilian applications. SYPAQ is a member of the Australian Association for Uncrewed Systems (AAUS), an organization dedicated to advancing drone technology and air mobility innovation.
Codan Communications has announced that its new production facility in South Australia will create up to 18 highly skilled jobs. Workers will focus on precision engineering tasks, including video encoding, equipment packaging for mesh networks, algorithm development, and certification processes for the Sentry Mesh 6161 radios. This effort aims to deliver robust, scalable communication solutions tailored to the needs of the CorvoX drones and ADF missions.
The Sentry Mesh 6161 radios are software-defined systems featuring mobile ad hoc network (MANET) waveforms. Using Codan’s proprietary MeshUltra technology, the radios optimize bandwidth usage with a “Token Passing” protocol to reduce collisions and ensure predictable data packet latency. Weighing 410 grams with a 2-watt output, these radios employ a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) RF architecture and include a GPS receiver with an integrated antenna for precise position location information (PLI). These features enhance the reliability and operational efficiency of CorvoX drones, even in complex environments.
The CorvoX drones equipped with Sentry Mesh 6161 radios are part of a broader DEF129 effort to develop and acquire diverse unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the ADF. This program aims to enhance surveillance capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and complement crewed systems. By focusing on integration and interoperability, these drones play a pivotal role in Australia’s defense strategy to address potential threats and ensure national security.
Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, emphasized the strategic importance of this project for Australia. He highlighted the creation of highly skilled engineering jobs and the strengthening of sovereign production capabilities. According to the minister, this project aligns with the government’s commitment to equipping the ADF with essential resources while fostering local technological expertise.
This project is part of a larger investment plan in drone technology. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Australian government has allocated over 10 billion Australian dollars to modernize defense capabilities in this field. Of this amount, 4.3 billion dollars are earmarked for uncrewed aerial platforms, while 690 million dollars are dedicated to acquiring tactical systems for the Army. These investments reflect Australia’s ambition to become a regional leader in military technological innovation while reducing dependence on foreign technologies.
The acquisition of Sentry Mesh 6161 radios and the development of CorvoX drones demonstrate Australia’s strategic commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and supporting its sovereign defense industry. This initiative represents a significant step forward for the Australian Defence Force, addressing current and future security challenges through cutting-edge technological solutions and substantial investments in national infrastructure.
