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Charles Darwin University (CDU) has launched a new drone testing site in the Northern Territory set to give operators and manufacturers a rare opportunity to trial technology in some of the world’s most diverse and extreme conditions.
CDU’s North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS) has opened the Airspace Integration Research Facility (AIR-F) at its Katherine Rural Campus, the only purpose-built unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) test site in northern Australia.
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The facility provides access to more than 10,000 hectares of sparsely populated land with minimal infrastructure and air traffic. Approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for beyond visual line of sight operations, the site features advanced communications technology, on-site accommodation, maintenance facilities and an operations room.
NACAS director Professor Hamish Campbell said the new facility arrived at a crucial time, with UAV flights in Australia forecast to rise from 1.5 million to more than 60 million annually by 2043.
“Australia is investing heavily in UAVs and advanced air mobility across defence, civil and commercial sectors. But testing locations are limited. Existing sites often prioritise crewed aviation, leading to long wait times and high costs. AIR-F is dedicated solely to uncrewed systems and provides an affordable, low-risk solution for remote flight operations,” Campbell said.
The facility, built with funding from the Australian government’s TestLab program and supported by the NT Investment Fund and NT Defence, is open to local and international industry, researchers and training providers.
Campbell said the Northern Territory’s climate gave AIR-F a unique edge.
“From May to October, conditions are stable with light, predictable winds, ensuring highly reliable flight testing,” he said. “Between November and April, the heavy rainfall and humidity provide challenging conditions, allowing UAVs to be tested in poor air density environments.”
CDU deputy vice-chancellor Research and Community Connection professor Steve Rogers said AIR-F placed both the university and the Territory at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry.
“UAV technology is advancing quickly, and AIR-F is the next step for NACAS and CDU to expand our impact,” he said.
“With our Defence links, strong public and private sector connections, strategic northern location and infrastructure, AIR-F is positioned to become a critical national facility. This project also reinforces our role in boosting the Territory’s capabilities across Australia and internationally.”
Since its establishment in 2022, NACAS has developed research and training programs ranging from drone-assisted ghost net detection to medical supply delivery in remote areas. It has also run remote pilot training across the NT, including for Indigenous ranger groups such as the Anindilyakwa Land and Sea Rangers.
