Australia is testing a reconnaissance drone that Ukraine has hardened for combat use. The Australian Army tested the Vector AI reconnaissance drone during Southern Jackaroo exercises at the Townsville training ground in Queensland, Defense-Blog reports.
Quantum Systems produces roughly 80 Vector reconnaissance drones per month at its Ukrainian facility. Thousands of hours of combat flight in Ukraine helped adapt the platform to real battlefield threats such as electronic warfare and air defense. The version Australian troops tested at Townsville already reflects Ukrainian combat feedback rather than pure test-range design.
24/7 operator support for Ukrainian drone pilots from Australian office
Quantum Systems already provides 24/7 operator support for Ukrainian drone pilots from its Australian office. The Southern Jackaroo's appearance formalizes the direction of Ukraine-battle-tested drone technology into Australian military use.
Australian troops used the drone for deep reconnaissance, target detection, and data transmission for follow-up strikes by drones and artillery against simulated enemy positions.
Vector AI incorporates Ukraine's electronic-warfare lessons
The Vector platform has been operational in Ukraine since May 2022. Quantum Systems representative Oleksandr Bereshnyi said in October 2025 that Vector drones face constantly changing jamming conditions on the front.
"What worked last week might not work next week," Bereshnyi said.
Quantum Systems has been integrating advanced electronic-warfare countermeasures into the Vector platform: CRPA antennas resistant to interference, edge-computing AI systems for navigation and target recognition, and enhanced data transmission channels. All the developments came in response to Ukrainian battlefield conditions.
Vector AI is a convertiplane with 2.8-meter wingspan
The Vector AI has a 2.8-meter wingspan and uses a convertiplane design. It takes off and lands vertically without a runway, then transitions to horizontal flight to cover long distances like a fixed-wing aircraft.
The drone uses AI-based data processing to create real-time terrain maps and independently detect and track objects.
