Australia will continue to rely on US and commercial satellite networks.
A new factory near Newcastle airport will house production of two types of missiles in partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia, a Norwegian-owned company.
Some 24 years after the SR-71 Blackbird made its last flight, there are hints its alleged replacement, the SR-72, could be in development.
One expert says airships could also potentially be used in NATO maritime surveillance missions and NORAD air policing missions.