Insitu Pacific to supply unmanned aerial systems to Australian Army

Insitu's Integrator in flight. The UAS does not require a runway for take–off or landing, enabling forces to use the system from forward and remote locations. (Insitu)

Boeing's Insitu Pacific Pty Ltd has been selected by Australia's Department of Defence (DoD) to supply the Australian Army with 24 of its Integrator unmanned aerial systems (UASs) as part of an AUD650 million (USD475 million) defence investment, the DoD announced in a media release on 11 March.

The Integrator UASs will be able to provide the army “with enhanced abilities to gather intelligence, undertake reconnaissance and surveillance missions, and acquire targets for weapons systems across the Australian Defence Force (ADF)”, said Peter Craig Dutton, Australia's minister for defence.

According to the company, the contract includes “delivery and initial support of the Integrator UAS as well as associated ground systems and prime systems integrator services”.

Insitu will integrate components provided by suppliers from across Australia and manufacture the Integrator UASs at its facility in Brisbane, Dutton said. The Australian government plans to invest AUD56million to enhance facilities at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane, to support the delivery of the UASs, he added.

The company has referred to a team of over 20 Australian suppliers that “will directly support critical capabilities for UAS growth and sustainability” including “sensing and software, advanced materials and propulsion, and seamless integration with existing and planned ADF systems”. For example, some of these suppliers include Ascent Vision Technologies, Orbital UAV, and Nova Systems.

The initial contract period with Insitu is worth AUD307 million, the Australian DoD said, adding that the production has started, with delivery expected through 2023 and 2024.

Insitu Pacific was established in 2009 as the Australia-based subsidiary of Insitu Inc – Boeing's unmanned aviation subsidiary in the United States.