Praetorian Aeronautics, a 2024 venture capital recipient from a co-investment fund partnership between Paspalis and the Northern Territory’s Local Jobs Fund, is making significant strides in the defence technology sector. Led by CEO Brett Hill, the company is dedicated to advancing counter-drone UAV technologies. Hill recently flew in from Adelaide to attend NT Defence Week and foster relationships with the Northern Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS) and Charles Darwin University (CDU). This visit is part of Praetorian’s ongoing testing and development programme, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
During NT Defence Week, Hill presented Praetorian’s counter-drone UAV business case to an audience of senior defence personnel, government officials, and industry stakeholders. His presentation highlighted the company’s cutting-edge technology and strategic vision, aiming to fortify the security landscape against emerging threats.
The event also provided an opportunity for strategic discussions between Brett Hill, Geoff Thomas (Senior Investment Manager at Paspalis), and Alex Farrugia (Investment Manager at Paspalis), with key figures such as James Bear (Senior Director, Defence NT, Investment Territory) and Nicholas McGrath (Senior Manager, Strategic Policy and Planning, Defence NT, Investment Territory). These conversations revolved around the Paspalis investment thesis, with Hill outlining Praetorian’s activities and ambitious growth plans within the Northern Territory.
Additionally, Geoff Thomas and Alex Farrugia represented Praetorian Aeronautics in the National Security Advisory Group Panel Discussion, led by Dr Alan Dupont AO of NT Defence. The panel addressed the evolving challenges and opportunities for defence businesses operating in the NT, providing valuable insights into the sector’s future trajectory.
“Our engagement with stakeholders during NT Defence Week has been incredibly productive,” said Brett Hill. “We are excited about the potential collaborations and the opportunities to advance our counter-drone technologies in the Northern Territory.”
A pivotal part of Hill’s visit included a trip to Katherine to explore the outdoor drone test range. This extensive 4000-hectare range, located under the RAAF Tindal restricted airspace, offers a unique environment for research and development. Its sub-tropical climate creates special circumstances ideal for rigorous UAV testing. Katherine’s minimal human habitation, low infrastructure, and controlled BVLOS operations, along with a 30km flight corridor, allow for advanced drone testing. These unique weather conditions and the space provided by the range enable Praetorian to push the boundaries of their drone capabilities, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability, which are essential for defence applications.
Praetorian Aeronautics’ presence at NT Defence Week and their strategic engagement with key stakeholders underscore their dedication to advancing defence technology. With the support of Paspalis and collaborations with NACAS and CDU, Praetorian is well-positioned to drive innovation and growth within the Northern Territory’s defence sector.
