Australia Approves $900 Million Telecommunication Network Contract

The Australian Government today has approved $900 million contract to provide battle space telecommunications network capability to its defense forces.

The program (LAND 2072 Phase 2B) is a critical milestone in achieving a modern, networked Army. This equipment will enable deployed forces to operate more effectively, providing digital communications from theatre headquarters to the unit-level.

This project will enable Army and elements of the Air Force and Navy to replace ageing mobile communications and computer networks. It will provide commanders with an increased level of situational awareness, command and control, and information sharing capability.

In particular, this 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 Australian Defence Force information exchange during operations.

Access to, and exchange of, large amounts of multimedia data is becoming increasingly important for the effective conduct of operations. With this equipment, the Australian Defence Force’s capability to use modern information technology to link sensors, weapon systems, commanders and personnel in a networked environment will be greatly enhanced.

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

Initial Operational Capability is expected in 2017, with Final Operational Capability in 2020.