Military personnel told to ‘close the blinds’ after 147 drone breaches reported at ADF bases in one year

The government is facing mounting pressure for answers after 147 drone breaches were recorded at Australian Defence Force bases across the country in just one year.

Department of Defence data shows incursions have surged from 21 in 2022/23 to 60 in 2023/24 and 147 in the 2024/25 financial year.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Drone swarms breach Australian air force bases

The dramatic increase was exposed after multiple unidentified drones entered restricted airspace above RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle, between July 11 and 13. 

The base houses many of Australia’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighters, among the most advanced military aircraft in the world.

Defence personnel reportedly observed a swarm near the facility’s northern gate, but the drones were not shot down, and authorities have not publicly identified who was operating them.

Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Personnel Phillip Thompson OAM called for an urgent investigation on Sunrise on Thursday, warning Australia’s military facilities are being “treated like a playground” by unidentified drone operators.

“We’re not talking about one drone overhead. We’re talking about a swarm. So, upwards of 20 drones over the top of our military bases around the country, taking photos, videoing, and sending it back to... who?” Thompson said.

“That’s why it needs to be exposed, and an investigation must occur, because this isn’t just about national security of equipment. National security is our people, and we’ve got these drones filming them and taking photos; it’s not good.”

Thompson dismissed suggestions the drones could have accidentally strayed into restricted airspace, arguing the scale and coordination of the activity pointed to a more serious threat.

He also raised concerns about the potential use of restricted technology, noting DJI drones are not permitted on Defence bases because they transmit data directly to China.

“I think it’s increasing because we’ve seen what’s happening in the Ukraine-Russia war, where swarms of drones are being used. But it’s also increasing because there’s been no action to stop or deter or to find out where they’ve come from,” he said.

 “Close the blinds... that’s our national security strategy”

Defence sources have reportedly warned the Williamtown incident was “just scratching the surface”, with at least 20 drone incidents involving unknown operators allegedly recorded at RAAF facilities since January.

Suspected activity has also been reported at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, RAAF Base Richmond in western Sydney, RAAF Base Edinburgh north of Adelaide, and RAAF Base Townsville.

Thompson said Defence personnel had contacted him directly, frustrated by the response to the repeated sightings.

“It’s extremely concerning, concerning enough that we’ve got defence force personnel reaching out to me, saying, ‘ Can you help here because we’re getting told to ‘close the blinds’ and that’s our national security strategy,” he said.

“We need answers from the government, and we’re not getting anything.”

“We have the tech, let’s roll it out”

Thompson called for early detection systems and equipment capable of safely capturing the drones to be immediately deployed at military facilities.

“Our Defence Force bases are right now being treated like a playground by these drones, and we don’t know who’s operating them,” he said.

He pointed to Australian company DroneShield, saying technology capable of addressing the threat was already available.

“We have the tech here… let’s roll it out,” he said. A Defence spokesperson told 7NEWS.COM.AU the department was investing $7 billion in counter-drone capabilities over the next decade and working with Australian industry to accelerate new technology.

Through Project LAND 156, Defence plans to continually upgrade its capabilities as new technology becomes available, including “the development of a comprehensive counter small uncrewed air systems capability for the ADF”.

“In January 2026, Defence established the Counter Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems as a Service (CaaS) Standing Offer panel under LAND 156. The panel provides Defence and other Australian Government agencies with streamlined access to a range of industry-led counter-UAS services and technologies...” the spokesperson said.

“The Government has also enacted the Defence Amendment (Counter-UXS Measures) Regulations 2025 to further strengthen protections of ADF personnel, assets and facilities.

“These updated Regulations enable Defence to disable, destroy or seize drones operated in the vicinity of Defence sites to ensure the safety and security of Defence’s people, assets and equipment where it is safe and reasonable to do so.”