The Australian army is set to acquire 24 unmanned surveillance drones in an AU$650 million (US$477 million) deal with Boeing’s Insitu Pacific. The “Integrator” drones will be manufactured locally in Brisbane while using suppliers from across the state of Queensland. The move is the latest in a series of defence-focused announcements by the federal government amid ongoing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the drones would perform intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and acquire targets for weapons systems. “This project will enhance the Australian Army’s capabilities by harnessing the innovation and cutting-edge technologies being developed right here in Australia,” he said in a statement. “To support the delivery of this capability, the Morrison government will also invest AU$56 million in facilities at Gallipoli Barracks in Enoggera,” he added. “We will also see an upgrade to a number of our Bushmasters, and associated sustainment over the next decade.” Dutton said …