Millibeam Secures $4.6M for Advanced Drone Jammer

Australian deep-tech firm Millibeam has successfully developed a portable counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) prototype, codenamed Rakurai, designed to disrupt drone swarms. This advancement is bolstered by significant backing, with the company securing $4.6 million in federal government grants. These funds are earmarked for the development of next-generation semiconductor chipsets and the underlying radio frequency (RF) architecture, positioning Australia to build sovereign defence capabilities.

The Rakurai system distinguishes itself by integrating custom-designed chips and antennas, a departure from conventional C-UAS solutions that often rely on off-the-shelf components. This integrated approach allows the device to overcome the typical weight and power constraints associated with handheld anti-drone technology. The system is engineered to simultaneously jam multiple, widely separated radio frequencies, making it more challenging for drones to maintain communication links and navigate effectively, even when facing targeted interference.

This development arrives at a critical juncture, as the strategic importance of drones in modern conflict zones, exemplified by recent global events, continues to escalate. The Australian Department of Defence has expressed interest in Millibeam's technology, aligning with national defence strategies that prioritize the development of indigenous counter-drone capabilities. The Rakurai's portability is a key feature, enabling individual soldiers and security personnel to deploy advanced drone countermeasures directly on the front lines, rather than depending on static or vehicle-mounted systems.

Dr. Venkata Gutta, founder and CEO of Millibeam, emphasized the strategic imperative for Australia to establish its own foundational RF capabilities. "Designing from the chip up, here in Australia, is how we field sovereign capability at the speed and scale the National Defence Strategy demands," stated Dr. Gutta. He highlighted that current autonomous and defence systems often utilize outdated architectures, presenting a narrow window for Australia to assert control over its technological future in this domain.

The $4.6 million in grants includes $2.6 million from the Industry Growth Program and $2 million from the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative. These financial injections are crucial for advancing the Rakurai prototype, which has reached Technology Readiness Level 5 and is now progressing towards field testing. This level of government support underscores the national priority placed on enhancing defence technology and ensuring supply chain security for critical components.

Main Sequence, a venture capital firm, has been a key supporter, with partner Mike Nicholls noting the firm's backing of Millibeam's approach. "That’s the kind of sovereign capability we back: hard technology, deep IP, and a founder who’s proven – across 15 tape-outs – that he can ship high-performance silicon and systems," said Nicholls. He further elaborated that by designing the entire RF architecture, including chips and antennas, from the ground up, Millibeam is creating a foundation capable of adapting to the evolving threat posed by advanced drone technology.

Millibeam's innovation directly addresses requirements outlined in Australia's 2026 National Defence Strategy and initiatives like Project Land 156, which aim to bolster the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) ability to protect critical infrastructure and personnel from drone threats through locally developed solutions.