Melbourne-based start-up SYPAQ Systems has announced that it is delivering autonomous systems to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces thanks to investment from the Australian Department of Defense.
According to a press release from SYPAQ, following the announcement in July 2022 that Defense would be providing further funds to purchase much-needed defense technology and equipment for Ukraine, SYPAQ Systems has been able to manufacture its Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System (PPDS) drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Developed in Melbourne in partnership with Army and under a $1.1 million Defence Innovation Hub contract, the Corvo PPDS is a low cost, expendable drone for the delivery of supplies and equipment into areas traditional logistics capabilities cannot reach.
Also known as the ‘cardboard plane’, the PPDS comes flat-packed and can launch, fly up to 120km and land by itself, providing true autonomy and removing the cognitive load on the soldier during operation.
Following feedback from end-users in Ukraine, the system has also been adapted for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
“It is an honour to be supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” SYPAQ CEO Amanda Holt said adding that “PPDS is an Australian capability that will help the Ukrainian people defend their country, and is proof of the world-leading autonomous systems capabilities in Australian industry.
PPDS is being manufactured at SYPAQ’s Defence Autonomy Centre of Excellence in Fisherman’s Bend, Melbourne, using components from SYPAQ’s Australian supply chain.
“This capability is the result of an innovation journey with Army and the Defence Innovation Hub, and demonstrates the importance of collaboration between Defence and industry on capability development,” Holt added.