Drone Flyer Diaries – LTCOL Keirin Joyce

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Lieutenant Colonel Keirin Joyce, Australian Army Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Sub-Program Manager
Lieutenant Colonel Keirin Joyce, Australian Army Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Sub-Program Manager

With an extensive career in engineering and helicopters, Lieutenant Colonel Keirin Joyce was at first unsure about being involved in a new drone program for the Australian Army.

But after learning more about the program introducing drones into the Army, he took a leap of faith and is now, 13 years on, the Australian Army Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Sub-Program Manager responsible for all Australian Army UAS activities.

Australian Army soldier, Lance Bombardier Jarrod Logan, prepares to launch the Wasp unmanned aerial system during a training activity at the Wide Bay Training Area
Australian Army soldier, Lance Bombardier Jarrod Logan, prepares to launch the Wasp unmanned aerial system during a training activity at the Wide Bay Training Area

Since the program began in 2006, the Army has implemented a fully tiered drone capability with over 1000 drones from the Black Hornet, Phantom 4 and Wasp, to the Puma and Shadow 200.

‘The use of drones in the Army makes us more efficient and effective and, importantly, keeps soldiers safer by sending the drone in first to be the eyes of the soldier and create an intelligence picture on combat missions,’ he says.

‘We have put in place a comprehensive training program ranging from one day to five months depending on the type of drone.

‘Safety is a top priority and following the rules is crucial, with the civil and military safety regulations for these systems sharing a number of similarities.

‘All Army drone operations are governed by the Defence Aviation Safety Authority, which align with CASA and international standards.’

Australian Army soldier, Sergeant Andrew Whitelaw, from 16 Air Land Regiment and Corporal Kelvin Green, Aircraft Surface Finisher at Royal Australian Air Force No.36 Squadron, launch a Phantom 4 to inspect the condition of paint on the upper surfaces of a C-17A Globemaster on the flightline at RAAF Base Amberley
Australian Army soldier, Sergeant Andrew Whitelaw, from 16 Air Land Regiment and Corporal Kelvin Green, Aircraft Surface Finisher at Royal Australian Air Force No.36 Squadron, launch a Phantom 4 to inspect the condition of paint on the upper surfaces of a C-17A Globemaster on the flightline at RAAF Base Amberley.

Keirin believes that risk reduction is essential in all drone operations.

‘All drone operators need to be risk aware and aware of who you share the airspace with, including both civil and military aircraft,’ he says.

‘In a military context, make sure you know the rules about operating near a military aerodrome or in active military airspace due to low-flying aircraft.

‘Following the rules and doing it right means we can continue to develop drone capability and take advantage of this amazing technology.’

Australian Army soldier Private Mackenzie Togo demonstrates racing drones to Australian Army cadets during “Army on Display” exhibition at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria
Australian Army soldier Private Mackenzie Togo demonstrates racing drones to Australian Army cadets during “Army on Display” exhibition at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria

The Army also have fun with drones, which are used to promote what a modern Army looks like when attracting young people looking at future careers in the science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) field.

‘We have our own drone racing teams who compete in events across the country and can be the connection with young people to promote the range of careers that now exist in the modern Army and Australian Defence Force.’

An Australian Army soldier prepares to launch a PD-100 Black Hornet miniature unmanned aerial vehicle during Exercise Chong Ju at Puckapunyal training area, north of Melbourne in Victoria
An Australian Army soldier prepares to launch a PD-100 Black Hornet miniature unmanned aerial vehicle during Exercise Chong Ju at Puckapunyal training area, north of Melbourne in Victoria.

1 COMMENT

  1. Of course strait on the negative, how about its probably enhancing pilot skill sets to be able to operate a drone effectively in a combat situation!

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