Defence experts have labelled drone breaches at one of Australia’s most sensitive air bases “embarrassing” and said the incident should be a wake-up call.
Multiple unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) – also known as drones – were spotted flying in restricted airspace above Williamtown RAAF base between July 11 and 13, according to reporting by The Daily Telegraph.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) said it doesn’t know who was operating the drones or why they were in a no-fly zone. None were shot down or jammed. The incident was reported to NSW Police’s counter-drone unit.
The Newcastle base is home to the country’s most advanced stealth combat aircraft, including the F-35A Joint Strike Fighters and the E-7A Wedgetail.
Retired Brigadier Ian Langford said the mystery incursion was “somewhat embarrassing” for the ADF.
“I think most people would quietly admit the threat vector is significant and everyone responsible for the protection of critical infrastructure is grappling with the same problem: how to stop low-cost drones from threatening high-value assets,” he told news.com.au.
“This is a national problem in terms of security and we need technology to help us manage it.”
Mr Langford, a former officer in the Australian army with over 30 years of service including with special forces, said the breaches were a serious reminder Australia’s most valuable military kit remains “vulnerable” to cheap, asymmetric surveillance and attack.
“Whether this was negligence, activism or hostile reconnaissance, the inability to identify the operators reminds us that Defence must prioritise persistent counter-UAS detection, attribution and defeat capabilities across every major base,” he said.
He said the incident exposed a potential gap between the Department of Defence’s claims of layered security at the site and the protection delivered in practice.
“The implications extend directly to AUKUS Pillar I: HMAS Stirling, the Osborne precinct, and other associated nuclear-submarine facilities, which will become priority targets for persistent surveillance, espionage, disruption, and sabotage,” he said.
“The same vulnerability applies across Australia’s airfields, ports, shipyards, energy networks and communications infrastructure. Counter-UAS protection must become a nationally integrated security requirement.”
He said the fiasco showed an urgent need for persistent detection, rapid attribution and lawful defeat capabilities across every major military establishment in Australia.
‘Not as prepared as we should be’
Former diplomat turned risk adviser Neil Fergus said the breaches are a major national security concern.
He said RAAF Williamtown is home to tactical fighter force components including the Hawk 127 and the PC-21. He said the base is regulated airspace, which means drones cannot fly within 5.5km of the site while drones weighing over 250kg must not fly within 7km from the approach and departure paths to the runway.
“I believe we are not as prepared as we should be and I believe this will be a catalyst for further investment at key national defence bases,” Mr Fergus told news.com.au.
“I hope this will act as a catalyst for further sustained analysis on the need for future anti-drone capabilities.”
According to The Daily Telegraph, during the incursion, commanders at the base were told to close window blinds to protect against the unwitting release of information. Drones were allegedly spotted circling the north gate of the facility.
Shadow defence minister, Senator James Paterson, said the Albanese government should be doing more to ensure our men and women in uniform have the confidence to take the appropriate actions to keep themselves, their fellow Australians, and our interests safe.
“Being told to ‘close the blinds’ simply doesn’t cut it; the government should clarify what will be done to protect critical defence sites like RAAF Williamtown from incursions like this in future,” he told news.com.au.
A Department of Defence spokesperson said it was aware of the incident and employs “robust, layered security measures” at the site to protect people, establishments and capabilities.
They said for operational security reasons, Defence does not comment on specific arrangements or measures at its establishments.
In April, the government announced a $7bn investment in counter-drone defence to be spent over the next decade.
The initial investments of $21.3 million in AIM Defence and $10.4 million in SYPAQ Systems has been awarded through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Mission Syracuse.
The Albanese Government has allocated up to $22 billion for drone, counter-drone and autonomous system technologies over the decade in the 2026 Integrated Investment Program.