Case Study: Integrated project management support

Background

The project seeks to protect Defence personnel, bases, and assets from the growing threat of small uncrewed aerial systems through a mix of sense and effect countermeasures. These systems are being designed, tested, and integrated to operate effectively across dismounted, mobile, and fixed-site environments.

The Land 156 project represents one of Defence’s most significant capability modernisation efforts in the electronic warfare and force protection domain. Its purpose is to provide scalable, rapidly deployable solutions to ensure operational advantage and survivability in contested electromagnetic environments.

To achieve this, CASG required a Level 3 Integrated Project Manager with advanced Defence acquisition and governance expertise. Profectus was engaged under the Defence Support Services (DSS) Panel to provide an experienced project management resource to support the acquisition, coordination, and delivery of this complex, multi-line program from its Canberra-based office at Russell.

Challenge

Delivering a capability of this complexity requires tight coordination between multiple lines of effort and stakeholders across Defence and industry.

The Land 156 program operates across three primary streams of activity:

1. Establishment of a Systems Integration Partner (SIP) responsible for consolidating multiple technology and sensor systems into an interoperable CsUAS framework.
2. Delivery of a dismounted CsUAS capability to provide dismounted forces with an effective, mobile Counter- UAS capability.
3. Development of a Defence Standing Offer Panel to enable rapid procurement of CsUAS-related services and equipment to provide protection for Defence and broader government use.

Each stream involves separate acquisition pathways, commercial frameworks, and technical dependencies. Managing this activity under a compressed schedule, while maintaining compliance with Defence procurement policy, governance frameworks, and safety assurance requirements, represented a significant delivery challenge.

The project received its initial funding allocation in early 2025, with acquisition, acceptance, and integration activity ramping up immediately, with initial systems acquired and delivered in Q3 2025. Defence required rapid mobilisation of resources, coordinated planning, and effective governance to meet ministerial timeframes for accelerated capability delivery.

Approach

Profectus deployed a senior Integrated Project Manager with a proven background in Defence acquisition, systems integration, and cross-domain stakeholder engagement.

Working within EWIS J&A SPO, Profectus provided project management leadership across planning, delivery, and sustainment functions. Key activities include:

• coordinating the delivery of project milestones, schedules, and performance tracking for all CsUAS Lines of Effort
• managing tender development, evaluation, and contract negotiation processes for major acquisition activities
• leading coordination between Defence, DSTG, CIOG, Army, and industry partners to maintain alignment of operational and technical requirements
• ensuring project deliverables meet Defence procurement, governance, and financial management frameworks
• developing and maintaining risk, schedule, and performance reporting tools to inform executive decision-making
• supporting capability transition planning to achieve early in-service readiness
• facilitating continuous improvement in workforce performance, ensuring all personnel meet or exceed Defence certification and competency standards

Profectus also supported workforce upskilling and knowledge transfer across the SPO to ensure the long-term sustainment of program management capability within Defence.

Progress and outcomes

The Land 156 CsUAS project has made rapid progress since the establishment of its acquisition and integration framework. Profectus’ support has directly contributed to Defence’s ability to maintain governance discipline while achieving accelerated delivery schedules.

The project has been recognised as one of the first within CASG to successfully demonstrate the “Speed to Capability” principle, achieving measurable delivery outcomes within significantly reduced timeframes. This achievement was publicly noted by the Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, who described Land 156 as both a benchmark and a blueprint for how Defence will continue to deliver capability at pace.

• Key outcomes include:
  structured governance and project control mechanisms that provide clear visibility of cost, schedule, and performance metrics.
• coordinated delivery across three acquisition streams, ensuring synchronisation between integration, dismounted capability, and standing offer panel activities.
• enhanced stakeholder alignment across multiple Defence and industry partners, improving information flow and decision velocity.
• early establishment of risk and assurance frameworks that support continuous improvement and accountability.
• the achievement of critical early milestones in line with ministerial direction, enabling CASG to demonstrate speed-to-capability delivery.

The engagement has also helped to embed a culture of proactive risk management, quality assurance, and transparent communication within the project team, enabling Defence to maintain confidence in the program’s governance and trajectory.

Impact

Profectus’ deployment of an experienced Integrated Project Manager strengthened Defence’s ability to manage one of its most high profile, technically demanding, and time-sensitive acquisition projects.

The engagement demonstrated Profectus’ capacity to supply cleared, high-performing project management professionals who integrate seamlessly into Defence structures and deliver tangible value through disciplined execution, collaboration, and quality outcomes.

By contributing to a nationally significant project recognised as a model for “Speed to Capability,” Profectus reinforced its reputation as a trusted Defence delivery partner.

This work highlights Profectus’ ability to provide experienced personnel who uphold the highest standards of governance, compliance, and performance while enabling Defence to deliver complex capability outcomes with assurance and confidence.