Australia’s Minister for Defence Materiel and Science Greg Combet recently announced a contract has been signed with Harris [HRS] to provide the next generation of communications capability for the army and air force.
“The contract will provide interoperable secure voice and data communication systems that will accelerate the transition of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to a networked battlefield,” Combet said. “This new capability will significantly enhance current communications capabilities within the ADF increasing the ability to engage in successful operations.
“This new acquisition will provide the ADF with significantly increased voice and data transmission capabilities that will help increase battle space awareness.
The Battlespace Communications contract will assist the army in achieving the Defence network centric warfare milestone of a networked brigade in 2012 and also support the Royal Australian Air Force to reach longer term milestones of a networked combat support force by 2016.
“The contract is valued at about US$125 million, with support facilities and maintenance support activities to be developed in Australia,” he said.