Key takeaway
In Part 2 of our conversation, Jason Murray explains how ROOSTER – a 7.62 NATO round that fragments on command – protects troops, infrastructure, and cities from small drones without the down-range risk of conventional fire. Built by a team that is 95% veterans and ex-police, the round works through rifles and remote weapon stations out to 800 metres, meaning no new platform tax. Jason also raises the case for an Australian DIU-style unit, so early-stage defence technologies can move from prototype to service without years lost to bureaucracy.
Part 2 moves from problem to delivery. Jason Murray stay on counter-UAS and show how to field effects at pace – starting with Rooster, a physics-based round that lifts terminal effect on small drones but cuts down-range lethality. Rooster has been proved to TRL-6 and is entering staged TRL-7 work. It’s designed for in-service weapons and remote weapon stations, with fragment-on-demand 7.62 NATO settings and engagement out to ~800 m from RWS – useful around critical infrastructure, ports and urban areas where what goes up must not come down as a lethal threat.
The lab builds it, but people make it real. We cover a veterans-first workforce, and the Aimpoint partnership to “grow your own” skills – an ASQA-approved munitions/EO apprenticeship, an armourer pathway through to Master Armourer, and a ballistics course in development. We outline how a multi-user, privately owned defence precinct can speed load-and-assembly work (e.g., Murray Bridge) and give SMEs building uncrewed platforms a munitions design partner they can actually access.
Certification and policy matter. Australia certifies to NATO MOPI, not NATO; we propose an Indo-Pacific certification hub to avoid EU/US bottlenecks and fast-track interoperability. We also call for a DIU-style unit to back early-stage defence tech through TRL-7, plus closer government–industry embeds. COVID showed what happens when verification and supply lag reality; AUKUS Pillar 2 and universities should feed practical skills, not just papers.
What to do now:
✔️Back TRL-7 trials that lead to fielding, not just reports.
✔️ Stand up precincts that let SMEs and primes integrate, test and ship.
✔️ Fund training pathways that put veterans into armoury and ballistic roles.
✔️ Build an Indo-Pacific certification hub so units can train with what they’ll deploy.
Rooster is being launched to international buyers at DSEI London, alongside other lines (EOD disruptors; 12-gauge vehicle interdiction). The window for readiness is tight. Move now so teams can train, certify and protect what matters.
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