BLUF
The author asserts that Australia should restrict Chinese-made drones in sensitive government operations due to data security, intelligence, and supply-chain risks, while supporting trusted domestic and allied alternatives to strengthen national security and technological independence.Learning Outcomes
- Analyse the national security risks associated with foreign-manufactured drone systems, including data governance, software control, supply chain dependence, and intelligence collection concerns.
- Evaluate the strategic and policy challenges of using Chinese-made drones in sensitive government operations.
- Assess policy options for developing trusted drone capabilities, including strengthening domestic industry and reducing reliance on potentially high-risk foreign technologies.
