Army Innovation Day 2026 (AID26)

The Australian Army G58 (Army Advanced Capabilities), sits within Army Headquarters as part of the G5 (Future Land Warfare). The G58 is responsible for the exploration, innovation, and experimentation of emerging and disruptive technologies to address the most pressing challenges of modern warfare. As such, we play a central role in advancing Army’s understanding and adoption of these technologies, and work to inspire and promote experimentation, research and development, while identifying potential applications that enhance capability across the integrated land force. Through the creation of hands-on opportunities, we enable Army personnel to engage directly with cutting-edge technologies and industry partners, fostering practical learning and accelerating integration into operational contexts. Part of our endeavor for this year is Army Innovation Day 2026 (AID26) under the theme of Autonomous Mass in Littoral Warfare. Under this theme, we have released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking responses on innovative technologies, of a Technology Readiness Level of 4-6, that contribute to solving the following challenge: The Australian Army is seeking autonomous systems that operate collaboratively in contested littoral environments, while offering scalability and affordability, enabling small units to generate mass without exposing soldiers to enemy observation or direct fire. Successful systems may deliver sense, strike, electronic warfare, mobility, and logistics effects, with a focus on human-on-the-loop operations. This challenge reflects key priorities outlined in the National Defence Strategy 2026, including the adoption of autonomous systems, the generation of mass at scale, and the need to operate effectively in contested littoral environments. Following the RFI, Defence may invite organisations to take part in a range of activities associated with Army Innovation Day 2026: 1. Land Forces 2026. Held over 6–8 October at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organisations may be invited, at Defence’s discretion, to participate within the AID26 exhibition space. Any such participation is for engagement purposes only and does not constitute a benefit, entitlement, or commercial opportunity. Participation in AID26 activities does not involve any payment, financial support, or provision of value by Defence. 2. Dedicated Field Experimentation. Organisations may be invited to participate in an Army-led experimentation and demonstration event to be held at a variety of military establishments in the Adelaide Region over the period 02-13 November 2026 . This event will be an opportunity to work directly with Army in an operationally representative environment to experiment with, develop, and innovate your system or platform. These events are designed not only to showcase technologies, but to deliver tangible value to participating organisations through structured assessment, direct user interaction, and exposure to Defence stakeholders. Specifically, AID26; • Participation in a unique, high-tempo experimentation activity designed to accelerate innovation • Networking with Defence stakeholders, operators, and decision-makers in an innovation focused environment • A Technology Assessment Report, which will provide you with: Formal Army-level feedback on your capability’s strengths, limitations, potential employment concepts and opportunities for future integration Clear, actionable insight into how your systems performed in operationally relevant conditions. Early validation against real warfighter requirements, reducing reliance on assumptions Improved positioning for follow-on experimentation, procurement consideration, or transition into service. • Involvement in a distinct, purpose built Army innovation activity not typically accessible through standard engagement pathways Details on how to participate are contained within the Conditions of RFI. Responses will open in July 2026 and invitations to participate in AID26 activities to be issued from 17 August 2026. While participation in this RFI does not guarantee an invitation to AID26 activities, it helps Defence better understand the technologies and ideas being developed across industry and academia. I encourage organisations with relevant and innovative capabilities to engage with this opportunity and contribute to shaping Army’s future approach to the generation of Autonomous Mass in Littoral Warfare. Other Instructions: Conditions for Participation: 1. Responses utilising the templates provided "Respondent Details" and "Proposed Solution Form" 2. Responses files not to exceed a combined 500 megabytes. Address for Lodgement: Tender responses are to be submitted electronically via the AusTender website www.tenders.gov.au using the 'Lodgement Page' link on this tender notification. Contact Details: SO1 Trials & Exploration Email Address: army.innovation.day@defence.gov.au