Drone Sightings Over Defence Bases Surge
Unidentified drone reports at Australian Defence Force bases rose to 204 in 2025-26, prompting new legislation to allow them to be shot down.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Military
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Defence officials reported that unidentified drone sightings over Australian Defence Force bases climbed from 19 in 2022-23 to 204 in 2025-26. Legislation allowing defence members to shoot down unidentified drones was introduced in October.
Why it matters
Officials cannot yet determine how many incidents involve amateur activity compared with foreign interference or espionage. The current legal framework governing defence responses to drones is described as not straightforward, which is driving the proposed change.
Reports rose from 19 in 2022-23 to 204 in 2025-26, about 420 across four financial years, based on defence reporting. Officials cannot yet separate amateur flights from foreign interference or espionage.
The players
Williamtown RAAF Base
An Royal Australian Air Force base in New South Wales, located about 30 kilometres north of Newcastle, where unidentified drones breached restricted airspace twice in recent months.
The details
Unidentified drones breached restricted airspace at Williamtown RAAF Base, about 30 kilometres north of Newcastle, on two occasions in July and August. Defence personnel did not shoot down the drones on either occasion.
Timeline
2022-23: 19 unidentified drone sightings over defence bases reported
July and August 2026: Unidentified drones breached Williamtown RAAF Base restricted airspace
October 2026: Legislation to allow shooting down unidentified drones introduced
2 November 2026: Defence officials reported rising drone sightings to a Senate committee
Big Picture
The proposed legislation would give defence members a direct power to shoot down unidentified drones, extending a legal framework officials describe as not straightforward. It comes as Australia commits a record $425 billion over the next decade to overhaul the defence force.
Defence bases across Australia may face more frequent drone incursions while the new legislation is considered. The outcome will shape how the defence force responds to drones near sensitive sites.
The takeaway
Rising drone activity over sensitive defence sites shows why clear legal powers matter. Officials are still working out how much of the activity is harmless and how much poses a genuine threat.
Further reading
Explore more Australian military news for context on the country's defence force overhaul.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nine.
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