Australia told to be smarter to tackle spy drone threat

Australia is being warned to be smarter about how it tackles evolving threats from drone technology, which can damage critical infrastructure and aid in espionage.

While the war in Ukraine has shown the utility and effectiveness of drones, not enough has been done to counter the threat, a report by The Asia Group determined.

Drones can damage infrastructure, including data centres and power plants, jam or hack communications, contaminate water supplies, disrupt air traffic and help with espionage.

Deploying low cost sensors, mandating strict oversight and reporting of their use, allowing companies running critical infrastructure sites to take down drones if certain conditions are met and developing defensive technology has been recommended in the first instance.

Longer term reforms in