The enhancements will be applied to an unmanned aircraft system by combining positional information and sensory video from the plane into MPEG-2 format to be streamed from a ground control station.

The supplier, Metadata, says the additions will align the technology with current standards and requirements and add to California-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems' video and metadata capture, exploitation and dissemination. .

Metadata CEO Chris Newell, said the deal exemplifies Australia's strong position as suppliers to the defense market.

"The fact that our technology was chosen by a top [defense] manufacturer speaks volumes about the reputation of locally developed technology," Newell said.

Metadata, which supplies defense departments including the US Army, Navy and Air Force, said it is anticipated that system enhancements could be retrofitted to the entire fleet.