AI for Defence: The Complete Australian Guide (2026)

Artificial intelligence is reshaping defence capabilities globally, and Australia is actively investing in AI as part of its broader defence strategy. The Australian Government has identified AI as a critical technology for national security, and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is integrating AI across a range of functions.

This guide covers the publicly known applications of AI in Australian defence, the policy frameworks governing its use, and what AI means for defence personnel.

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Australia's Defence AI Strategy

The Australian Government has identified AI as a priority area in its defence planning. The 2023 Defence Strategic Review and subsequent policy documents have emphasised the importance of technology, including AI, for Australia's defence capability.

Key elements of Australia's defence AI approach include:

• AUKUS: The AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States includes cooperation on advanced technologies, including AI. Pillar II of AUKUS covers advanced capabilities including AI, autonomous systems, and quantum technologies.
• Australian Signals Directorate (ASD): The ASD plays a central role in Australia's cyber and signals intelligence capabilities, and AI is integral to these functions.
• Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG): DSTG conducts research into AI and autonomous systems for defence applications.

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AI Applications in Australian Defence

Intelligence Analysis

AI tools are used in intelligence analysis to process large volumes of data — from signals intelligence, imagery intelligence, and open source intelligence — more quickly than human analysts could. This includes:

• Analysing satellite imagery to identify military activity
• Processing signals intelligence data to identify patterns
• Monitoring open source information for relevant developments
• Supporting all-source intelligence analysis

The Australian Signals Directorate uses AI in its intelligence and cyber operations. The specific capabilities are classified, but the ASD has publicly acknowledged the importance of AI to its mission.

Autonomous Systems

Australia is investing in autonomous systems for defence applications. These include:

• Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs): The ADF operates a range of UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, and other missions. AI is used for autonomous flight, target identification, and data analysis.
• Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs): Australia is investing in AUVs for maritime surveillance and mine countermeasures.
• Autonomous surface vessels: The ADF is exploring autonomous surface vessels for patrol and surveillance missions.

Logistics and Supply Chain

AI tools are being used to improve defence logistics — predicting maintenance requirements, optimising supply chains, and managing the complex logistics of military operations. This includes:

• Predictive maintenance for military equipment
• Supply chain optimisation
• Inventory management
• Logistics planning for operations

Cybersecurity

AI is central to Australia's cyber defence capabilities. The ASD uses AI for:

• Detecting cyber threats and intrusions
• Analysing malware and cyber attack patterns
• Automating responses to cyber incidents
• Protecting critical infrastructure

Training and Simulation

AI is used in defence training and simulation:

• AI-powered simulation environments for combat training
• Adaptive training systems that adjust to trainee performance
• Scenario generation for exercises
• Performance assessment in training

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Policy Framework for AI in Australian Defence

Responsible AI in Defence

The Australian Government has committed to the responsible use of AI in defence. Australia is a signatory to the OECD AI Principles and has endorsed the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy.

Key principles include:

• Human oversight of AI systems in defence applications
• Compliance with international humanitarian law
• Transparency and accountability
• Avoiding unintended harm

Autonomous Weapons

Australia's position on autonomous weapons systems — weapons that can select and engage targets without human intervention — is that they must comply with international humanitarian law. Australia has participated in international discussions on lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) at the United Nations.

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AI for Defence Personnel in Administrative Roles

For ADF personnel and Defence public servants in administrative and support roles, AI tools offer the same productivity benefits as in other government contexts:

• Writing and documentation: AI writing tools can help draft reports, briefings, and correspondence.
• Research and analysis: AI tools can help with research and summarisation tasks.
• Meeting support: AI transcription tools can help with meeting notes and action items.

Personnel should use only Defence-approved tools and follow Defence ICT policies. Classified information must never be entered into AI tools that have not been approved for those purposes.

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The Broader Defence Industry

Beyond the ADF itself, Australia has a significant defence industry that is increasingly incorporating AI:

• Defence contractors: Companies like BAE Systems Australia, Thales Australia, and Lockheed Martin Australia are developing AI-enabled defence systems.
• Australian SMEs: A growing number of Australian small and medium enterprises are developing AI technologies for defence applications.
• Research institutions: CSIRO, Australian universities, and DSTG conduct research into AI for defence applications.

The Australian Government's Defence Industry Policy supports the development of Australian defence industry capability, including in AI and autonomous systems.