Australia looks for more sting in its Wasp replacement
Project Land 129 Phase 4B will find a replacement for the Wasp AE SUAS being used by the Australian Army. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
The Australian Army wants to introduce a new small UAV within the next 2-3 years.
In July the Capability Acquisition & Sustainment Group (CASG) in Australia gave advance notice for a programme to replace the AeroVironment Wasp AE small unmanned aerial system (SUAS) that is currently in Australian Army service.
The replacement exercise known as Project Land 129 Phase 4B will give army combat teams an independent ISR capability. The new SUAS is to be acquired in FY2023-2024 and FY2025-2026, with around 60-80 systems required depending on cost.
Project Land 129 Phase 4A acquired 66 Wasp AE systems from 2018-2021, but in its notice from CASG stated that the army ‘is expecting a system with
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Taurus KEPD 350E missile sees upgrade for German armed forces]()
Taurus KEPD 350E missile sees upgrade for German armed forces
Taurus Systems, a joint venture between MBDA Germany and Saab, was awarded a $161 million 10-year contract in January 2025 to modernise the Taurus 350 missile.
-
![India moves to address fighter jet shortfalls amid rising regional pressures]()
India moves to address fighter jet shortfalls amid rising regional pressures
Delays, dwindling squadrons and global competition spur belated momentum in airpower procurement.
-
![Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway]()
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
![Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study]()
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
![Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase]()
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
