Australia Invests $400 Million Into Next-Generation Military Combat Aircraft

‘This … underscores the depth of innovation and expertise in our defence industry.’

A drone equipped with a magnetometer used in surveys to identify magnetite deposits. Magnetite, a common iron ore and the world's most magnetic naturally occurring mineral, is often found near gold deposits. Emmerson Resources

Australia will inject $399 million (US$260 million) into the development of next-generation drones in a bid to boost the country’s military aerospace capabilities.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy on Feb. 9 announced extra funding for the autonomous Ghost Bat programme, which would secure more than 350 jobs across the nation and support the local defence industry.