Lockheed Martin Wins Australia’s AUD$500M Contract for Air Battle Management System

Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a contract worth AUD$500 million with the Department of Defence to develop Australia’s future Joint Air Battle Management System under project AIR6500 Phase 1 (AIR6500-1).

This system will provide Defence with an advanced integrated air and missile defence capability, using next-generation technologies to combat high-speed threats. The contract spans an eight-year partnership.

Ahead of the AIR6500-1 contract signing, Lockheed Martin Australia developed an Operator Evaluation System for the Joint Air Battle Management System, delivering it ahead of schedule and within budget. This system allows Defence’s air battle managers to access a secure test environment for providing feedback on the design and functionality of AIR6500-1, informing future development activities.

The project will establish the core architecture of the Australian Defence Force’s future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability by delivering a command and control system enabling Defence to coordinate and synchronize air and missile defence capabilities.

Tranche 1 involves acquiring four Active Electronically Scanned Array radars to replace the existing Tactical Air Defence Radar System. These radars, procured from Canberra-based company CEA Technologies, will enhance detection ranges and accuracy against aircraft and missile threats, providing improved warning, decision-making, and response capabilities. The first radar delivery is scheduled for 2024.

Tranche 2 will cover the remaining scope of the Joint Air and Battle Management System, enhancing situational awareness and protection of Australian Defence Force capabilities from advanced air and missile threats, while improving interoperability with Australia’s coalition partners.

In August 2023, Lockheed Martin Australia was announced as the strategic partner responsible for delivering the Joint Air Battle Management System for the Australian Defence Force.