Australian Army Battle Lab

Australian Army Battle Lab We test, evaluate, and deliver products that enable Army to outthink, outtrain, and outfight our adversaries.

The Australian Army Battle Lab aims to provide Army with a decisive edge by rapidly turning new ideas, cutting-edge technology and the latest warfighting tactics into capability. Battle Lab works with soldiers, officers and other subject matter experts to trial emerging technologies and concepts to develop doctrine and TTPs, informed by contemporary conflicts. Outcomes are integrated into training, doctrine and force design - ensuring Army remains adaptive, capable and ahead of the fight.

29/05/2026

The J rewrites Olvana's playbook.

Limited visibility, humidity, fieldcraft, and every part of how our adversary fights — moving, assaulting, scouting, calling in fires, comms... changes in the jungle.

Our Training Adversary Cell's new video series breaks down how Olvanan forces adapt to the jungle: tactics, recce, fires and ISTAR in the dense, complex and important environment.

Watch the series now at date.army.gov.au

28/05/2026

THAT'S A WRAP: Final "LITTORAL SOLDIER" episode is here

"Becoming a Littoral Soldier" is a four-part Army Battle Lab audio series focused on operating in the maritime and coastal environments.

Australian Army Infantry subject matter expertise on how to maximise combat effectiveness for the individual while working from small craft, transitioning to shore and operating from the littoral.

In the final episode, we close out the series with the environment itself. The littoral is physical, abrasive, and indifferent. It rewards preparation, rehearsal, technical competence, and the discipline to hold your standards when you're cold, wet, tired, and trying to make timings.

Tactical fundamentals don't change near water. The strain on your body, your kit, and your margin for error does. Respect it, plan for it, condition for it.

Battle Lab playing our part in supporting Army readiness in the littoral.

25/05/2026

ATLAS Forge is HERE

Design, build and operate your own Unmanned Ground Vehicle, then put it to the test against other teams in real tactical scenarios.

Form a team of 2–4 and take on mission-based challenges across mobility, recon and recovery.

All ranks, corps and trades welcome.

No experience required. Battle Lab MakerSpace staff across the country will run you through the basics - robotics, design and tactical application - before you move into the Build Phase using tools like 3D printing.

5 days of full-time training with MakerSpace, plus extra time to refine and test your design.

Finals place 25 November 2026.

Winning team scores a Battle Lab-funded unit PME and BBQ event, plus a team award (and bragging rights of course).

Keen?

Message ATLAS for more information.

14/05/2026

Battle Lab introducing Information Operations (IO) to FPDA Bersama Series of Exercises in 2026.

Our Training Adversary Cell added realistic IO effects to Exercise Bersama Shield 26, helping to inject realism, decision-making pressure and another layer of complexity for participants.

Contemporary conflicts are playing out in physical as well as information domains.

Battle Lab is helping Defence Australia and our partners train for both.

12/05/2026

Battle Lab Army Tactics Comp is BACK

All ranks and trades welcome.

Put your skills to the test against other teams and realistic AI adversaries at the platoon/troop level.

Form a team of four and compete in a variety of scenarios, including infantry, armoured, drones and recovery.

The HEATS phase of ATC will run from May to August, with FINALS taking place 5-9 Oct in Canberra.

Prizes up for grabs for the winning team, podium finishers and all participants.

Interested?

Message TACTICS with your unit for more information.

08/05/2026

Battle Lab's new drone publications are now available to help your unit establish and employ small UAS capability.

The Drone Tactics Handbook provides tactical guidance for using drones in recon, surveillance and combat tasks, informed by lessons learned by Army, partner forces and from recent conflicts.

The Unit Guide to sUAS Operations provides a practical guide for units seeking to establish a drone capability, covering training, governance and more.

These publications were developed in collaboration with HQ Aviation Command - Australian Army, Land Combat College, 3rd Brigade - Australian Army and other units, designed to help all Australian Army units adopt and employ drones faster and more effectively.

05/05/2026

WHAT IS ARMY BATTLE LAB?

"Victory smiles upon those who anticipate the change in the character of war, not upon those who wait to adapt themselves after the changes occur." - Giulio Douhet

Drones and UGVs are changing the battlefield. Lessons from Ukraine and the Middle East land daily. The side that adapts fast - wins.

This is where Battle Lab comes in.

Working with Australian Army units, partner forces and industry, and through rapid experimentation and lessons integration, Battle Lab turns emerging tech and current-conflict lessons into practical products Army can use - strengthening the Land Domain Training System (LDTS) and helping your unit .

Send us a message to find out more, or to request Battle Lab products for your unit.

29/04/2026

New "LITTORAL SOLDIER" episode is here 🔥

"Becoming a Littoral Soldier" is a four-part Army Battle Lab audio series focused on operating in the maritime and coastal environments.

Australian Army Infantry SMEs provide tips on how to maximise combat effectiveness for the individual while working from small craft, transitioning to shore and operating from the littoral.

In Part 3, we look at working with craft and comms in the littoral. Competence with radios and craft reduces friction and chaos before you hit shore. Poor prep is punished - fast.

Battle Lab playing our part in supporting Army readiness in the littoral.

Sound on. Enjoy.

14/04/2026

NEW FROM BATTLE LAB

To support Army's fast-growing use of drones at the tactical level, we are proud to release two practical but important publications.

The Drone Tactics Handbook provides combat-focused tactics for employing small UAS, drawn from lessons learned by Army, partner forces and from recent conflicts.

The Unit Guide to sUAS Operations, developed with HQ Aviation Command, Forces Command Land Combat College, 3rd Brigade and others, provides a clear how-to guide for units looking to stand up a drone capability.

Battle Lab playing our part to support Australian Army's rapid adaptation in this crucial space.

Message us for details on how to get access for your unit.

02/04/2026

MakerSpace to CAPABILITY.

Congratulations to 1st Armoured Regiment's Private Blaithe Gill-O'Connor, the second winner of the 2026 Vice Chief of the Defence Force Capability Award.

Check out his innovation, whose journey started with prototyping at Battle Lab's MakerSpace:

A cover for the M113AS4 APC, increasing the vehicle's protection against aerial threats such as drones and fragmentation.

A significant, soldier-led enhancement to help Army own the fight.

Awesome work, Blaithe!

Got an idea?

Prototype, test and improve it at your nearest MakerSpace.

Open to all ranks and trades.

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