Advancing Australia’s Defense Capabilities

DefendTex is an Australian defense technology company established in 2014, specializing in the development and manufacturing of advanced defense solutions. Headquartered in Australia, with offices in the USA and UK, DefendTex serves military and law enforcement communities worldwide. The company focuses on delivering tactical-level technology to address capability deficiencies, aiming to equip Australian and allied defense forces with innovative, locally designed, and manufactured defense capabilities.

Core Capabilities and Product Portfolio

DefendTex’s expertise spans multiple domains, including unmanned systems, protective systems, chemical solutions, energetics, precision-guided weapons, loitering munitions, and propulsion technologies.

Unmanned Systems

DefendTex has developed a range of deployable, compact, and cost-effective Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) suitable for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Notable UAVs include:

• DRONE40: A grenade launcher-compatible drone with ISR payload options, swarming capabilities, autonomous flight, and waterproof design.
• DRONE81: An expendable or reusable drone offering low-cost ISR capabilities, swarming, and long flight duration.
• DRONE155: A tube-launched drone featuring ISR payload options, swarming, and autonomous flight.

Additionally, DefendTex has introduced the Vengeance FPV, a first-person-view UAV designed for mass production. This quadrotor drone has been operationally deployed in Ukraine following its selection by the UK-led Drone Coalition.

Protective Systems

DefendTex has developed a unique covert body armor system that utilizes advanced design features to enhance performance while minimizing detection.

Chemical Solutions

The company offers custom chemical formulations for law enforcement applications, including water-soluble pepper solutions.

Energetics

DefendTex’s energetics manufacturing facilities encompass storage, quality assurance, explosive laboratories, and production facilities for cast composites and Polymer Bonded Explosives (PBX).

Precision-Guided Weapons and Loitering Munitions

The company has developed state-of-the-art precision-guided weapons suitable for short-range precision strikes by individual soldiers. DefendTex’s loitering munitions are UAV platforms equipped with energetic payloads designed for kinetic effects.

Propulsion Technologies

DefendTex is advancing propulsion technologies, including the development of a high-performance Rotating Detonation Engine, which offers significant improvements in efficiency and power output over traditional engines.

Research and Development Initiatives

DefendTex places a strong emphasis on research and development (R&D), investing significantly to produce world-leading weapons technology. The company has established bilateral research agreements with over 30 universities and research institutions, including collaborations with the Defence Science and Technology Group. These partnerships aim to develop new technologies for defense and law enforcement industries, with applications extending to civilian sectors such as mining, oil and gas, and construction.

International Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships

In May 2025, DefendTex signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to explore collaborative opportunities in platform-launched drones, munitions safety, and novel unmanned vehicle (UxV) concepts of operations. This partnership aims to advance the fields of platform-launched drones, UxV concepts, and innovation, as well as munition safety, to deliver new capabilities to the Singapore Armed Forces.

Strategic Expansion and Industry Positioning

DefendTex has expressed interest in expanding its capabilities through strategic acquisitions. In 2024, the company entered discussions to acquire Avibras Indústria Aeroespacial S/A, a Brazilian defense manufacturer. The acquisition aimed to enhance DefendTex’s expertise in guided weapons and rocket manufacturing, leveraging Avibras’s extensive experience and intellectual property to replicate manufacturing facilities in Australia.

Despite challenges in securing financial backing from the Australian government’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise program, DefendTex continues to advocate for increased support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the defense sector. The company’s CEO, Travis Reddy, emphasizes the importance of developing indigenous defense capabilities to address strategic challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

Commitment to Innovation and Education

DefendTex is recognized as one of the most innovative defense technology companies in Australia, with a strong commitment to developing cost-effective capabilities that enhance the strike range, survivability, and lethality of existing systems. The company leverages its state-of-the-art facilities and extensive engineering team to deliver world-leading capabilities to warfighters.

In addition to its technological advancements, DefendTex offers educational opportunities, including tiered pathways for early career researchers, PhD scholarships, internships, and final year projects. These initiatives aim to foster talent and innovation within the defense sector.

Conclusion

DefendTex stands at the forefront of Australia’s defense technology sector, delivering innovative solutions across multiple domains. Through its commitment to research and development, strategic partnerships, and investment in education, DefendTex continues to enhance the capabilities of Australian and allied defense forces, addressing emerging threats and contributing to global security.