An expert in defence strategy doubts drones will be enough to completely replace manned planes, in the Air Force.
Unmanned drones are being considered as a way of patrolling the country's coastal waters.
At the moment six Orion planes provide surveillance, but they're due to be retired in the mid-2020s.
Victoria University Professor Robert Ayson says unmanned drones could be useful for providing a quick look at things close to the coastline.
Mr Ayson says the drones could also be used to gather environmental information, such as oil spills.
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