$900m boost to ADF's battlespace comms

The ADF is to receive a $900m boost to its battlespace comms.

The Australian Government has given second-pass approval for the $900 million LAND 2072 Phase 2B project, which aims to provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the next generation of battlespace telecommunications network capability.

A statement released by the Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, says the project is a “critical milestone in achieving a modern, networked army”. The equipment will “enable deployed forces to operate more effectively, providing digital communications from theatre headquarters to the unit level”.

The project will enable the army and some elements of the air force and navy to replace ageing mobile communications and computer networks.

It will also provide commanders with an increased level of situational awareness, command and control, and information sharing capability.

The system will use leading-edge digital wideband voice, data and video services over wireless and wired infrastructure to improve the capacity, flexibility and responsiveness of the ADF information exchange during operations.

The government says that access to, and exchange of, large amounts of multimedia data is becoming increasingly important for the effective conduct of operations.

The LAND 2072 Phase 2B equipment will enhance the ADF’s capability to use modern information technology to link sensors, weapon systems, commanders and personnel in a networked environment.

The government says the preferred solution for the requirement is offered by an Australian team comprising Boeing Defence Australia, G.H. Varley and Harris Communications Australia. The program will also incorporate modern deployable computer networks sourced from Thales Australia.

LAND 2072 Phase 2B is expected to result in the employment of about 250 people across Australia in the defence industry sector.

Initial operational capability is expected in 2017, with final operational capability in 2020.

Image courtesy ADF