This report notes the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can strengthen defence, deter adversaries and expand capability by adopting robotic and autonomous systems with artificial intelligence (RAS‑AI). RAS‑AI is identified as offering a faster and more cost‑effective means of building resilience, operational effectiveness and strategic advantage in increasingly contested environments. 

Key recommendations

1. Defence should embrace new approaches to capability procurement.
2. Defence should update guidance and concepts to meet the pace of technological change.
3. The Defence organisation and the defence industry should embrace rapid acquisition and continuous modernisation at scale, based on establishing an ecosystem for autonomous capabilities.
4. There’s an opportunity for Australia to strengthen defence industry and technology cooperation in relation to autonomous systems with key allies and partners, through AUKUS.
5. Defence should prioritise investment in counter–uncrewed autonomous systems (C-UAS).
6. Defence should embrace an ambitious approach towards the operational employment of RAS-AI.