Sydney, Jan 18, 2026, 17:45 AEDT — The market has closed.
- DroneShield closed the session up following an update on Defence procurement.
- Investors are assessing how much a panel slot might actually translate into orders—and where it might fall short.
- Attention now turns to follow-on tenders and the upcoming company earnings update.
Shares of DroneShield Ltd (DRO.AX) jumped 7.84% to close at A$4.40 on Friday, continuing gains after the company revealed it was chosen for an Australian Department of Defence counter-drone supplier panel. 1
The choice is significant as it establishes an official gateway into Defence procurement just as militaries ramp up spending on drone detection and neutralization. Investors have already factored in the potential upside. Yet, the focus shifts to delivery: panels may open doors, but actual orders must still come through.
Australia will allocate A$1.3 billion over the coming decade to develop counter-drone capabilities, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced in an August address. The funds are part of Project LAND 156. 2
DroneShield called the LAND 156 Line of Effort 3 setup a “standing offer panel,” allowing Defence to procure counter-small unmanned aerial systems services via tenders. Simply put, it’s a pre-approved roster designed to speed up the bidding process, though it doesn’t guarantee any sales.
Chief Executive Oleg Vornik stated the company “stand[s] ready” to supply “software-defined” counter-drone systems. Vice President Strategy Terry Van Haren emphasized the threat “demands practical, tested solutions” to safeguard bases and critical assets. 3
The stock jumped up to 9.3%, reaching A$4.46 on Friday — its highest level since Oct. 29, Reuters reported. 4
Counter-drone spending is making waves beyond Australia. This week, Colombia unveiled a $1.68 billion project aimed at creating an “anti-drone shield” to fend off attacks from armed groups. The move highlights why this sector is attracting significant investment. 5
Still, landing a panel slot doesn’t guarantee a contract, and procurement processes can drag. DroneShield’s stock has been all over the place lately, hit hard by governance worries and insider share sales, Reuters noted, as sentiment soured during a steep sell-off. 6
Since the ASX was closed over the weekend, all eyes will be on Monday to see if Friday’s gains stick. Traders will also be looking for any updates from Defence or the company on tenders or timing.
DroneShield’s next major catalyst will be its audited results, scheduled for release in February 2026 as part of the 2025 annual report cycle, the company has confirmed. 7
