BBC<\/a>.<\/p>\nUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are also increasingly being used by violent extremist groups to carry out attacks, according to Dr Paterson. They\u2019re also being used extensively in Ukraine.<\/p>\n
The security specialist said 3D printers had made it easier to modify drones cheaply and at speed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can actually change the capabilities of a drone, making it fly for further distances, faster, and making it more immune to counter jamming techniques,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can also use 3D printed technology to modify a drone so it carries an explosive payload. We\u2019ve seen these capabilities being used in the Ukrainian context, for example. Another really interesting development in the drone space \u2026 is the ability to integrate artificial intelligence and in some way to make it more effective at responding to jamming techniques.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2018Should be concerned\u2019<\/p>\n
Mr Paterson said Australians should be concerned about the threat of drones, but downplayed the chances of their use in a mass terror attack.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a particular tactic, it needs to be thought about and needs to be countered. There are quite a lot of vulnerabilities that still remain \u2026\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I would not say that drones should be an overwhelming concern for the general population. This is something law enforcement needs to consider and the ADF needs to consider, because it has clearly been demonstrated by the drone incursion in Williamtown that it can be used and it can be used effectively.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also said it was unlikely AI drones would turn on humans.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a potential possibility that AI might go rogue and you introduce AI into a drone technology that does something that\u2019s unexpected. But as a potential Skynet, you know, AI engaging in these drone attacks against the individuals in society, that\u2019s probably, in my head anyway, a worst-case scenario that is quite, quite unlikely.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Department of Defence spokesperson said it was aware of the Williamtown incident and employs \u201crobust, layered security measures\u201d at the site to protect people, establishments and capabilities.<\/p>\n
They said for operational security reasons, Defence does not comment on specific arrangements or measures at its establishments.<\/p>\n
In April, the government announced a $7 billion investment in counter-drone defence to be spent over the next decade.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s (ASCA) Mission Syracuse.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Australia must \u201cassume the worst\u201d about an alarming spate of drone incursions last month, a top security 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