New Technology at Command and Control Centre

01 Maret 2012

Defence Headquarters Joint Operations Command, New South Wales (photo : Leighton)

The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to plan and execute complex operations will be significantly improved thanks to a $60 million investment in the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) in Bungendore, NSW.

Two contracts have been awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia and Computer Sciences Corporation Australia as part of Joint Project (JP)2030 Phase 8, Joint Command Support Environment.

JP2030 Phase 8 takes forward the cohesive and integrated Joint Command Support Environment (JCSE) at HQJOC, which coordinates major Defence operations on land, air and sea.

Minister for Defence Materiel Senator Kim Carr said acquiring this cutting-edge technology would significantly improve the ADF’s ability to plan and conduct joint operations.

“This new technology will make planning operations more efficient and effective and increase the speed of decision making,” Senator Carr said.

“I am pleased that these companies were judged best to further develop the command and control system. This demonstrates the capability of the Australian Defence industry,” Senator Carr said
“I am committed to working with industry to build and sustain these capabilities, which are so important for our national security.”

Computer Sciences Corporation Australia Pty Ltd has secured the JCSE System Integrator contract and Lockheed Martin Australia was awarded the JCSE Development Organisation contract.

(Aus DoD)

Harris Corporation Receives $235 Million Order from Australian DoD

02 Februari 2012

AN/PRC-150(C) Type HF Radio (photo : Harris)

MELBOURNE, FLA./BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS), an international communications and information technology company, has received a US$235 million (AUD$223 million) order to deliver Falcon® tactical radio systems to the Australian Department of Defence in the next phase of its tactical radio modernization program. The radios will provide Australia's armed forces with reliable and secure Type-1 tactical voice and data communications.

Harris will supply the Australian Defence Force (ADF) principally with Harris Falcon III® AN/PRC-152(C) multiband, multi-mode handheld tactical radios for portable line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight voice and data communications. The AN/PRC-152(C) is the most widely deployed JTRS Software Communications Architecture-certified handheld radio, with more than 160,000 units shipped to U.S., NATO and other allied forces worldwide.

The ADF is also acquiring the Falcon II® AN/PRC-150(C) manpack, the world's only type-1 certified HF radio. Both radios are being delivered to the ADF under the Joint Project 2072 program. Harris will support delivery, installation and training for the radios through its newly opened Asia-Pacific headquarters in Brisbane.

"This order expands our ongoing collaboration with the Australian Department of Defence, which is working toward developing a networked Australian brigade in 2013," said Brendan O'Connell, president, International Business, Harris RF Communications. "Our solutions and proven expertise in tactical communications are making a difference for ADF forces by delivering voice, video and data across the battlefield. We're also providing the ADF with world-class field support, highlighted by the recent opening of our regional headquarters in Brisbane."

The AN/PRC-152(C) is a Type-1 certified single-channel multiband handheld radio that provides voice and data communications over the 30 MHz to 512 MHz frequency range. The radio supports SINCGARS, Havequick II, VHF/UHF AM and FM, APCO P25 and both DAMA and the new Integrated Waveform for satellite communications. The Falcon II AN/PRC-150(C) is part of the most-widely deployed family of HF radios and the only one to offer NSA-certified Type-1 information security. The radio covers the 1.6 MHz to 60 MHz frequency range and comes with a removable keypad/display unit.

(Harris)

C4i Expands National Air Defence System in Thailand

26 Januari 2012

C4I SwitchplusIP (image : C4I)

C4i recently received a further order to add to its existing nationwide Communications System for the Royal Thai Air Force. C4i will deliver another installation of its world leading, SwitchplusIP® end-to-end IP communication system for this project with delivery expected Q1 of this year.

C4i delivered the existing Air Defence System in 2008 which provides the Thai Air Force with a complete nationwide end-to-end IP solution. The system consists of over twenty operational sites scattered across the country, linked together via an advanced IP network to provide a true “system of systems” solution. This allows every site to work together appearing like a single, very large system, providing total flexibility for resource allocation across the country while still retaining complete standalone autonomy should the network be removed.

“The SwitchplusIP® system delivered to the Thai Air Force is the largest end-to-end IP based communications system we are aware of in use by any Air Force in the world today” said Peter Harrison C4i’s Managing Director. “It provides the operators with transparent access to communication assets located all across the country as if they were all in the same room. This cutting edge technology delivers the often talked about goal of “any asset, any operator, anywhere” currently being sort after by many air forces across the globe” Harrison said.

This system is further proof of SwitchplusIP® ability to be easily expanded after initial deployment. The Air Force is able to incrementally grow the system by adding sites, operators or assets when required; in this case a mobile air traffic control system that can be networked allowing Command Centre operators to utilize and communicate with these remote assets and operators through the IP network.

C4i has formidable experience delivering specialist Air Defence systems for use in single and multi-domain security environments all over the world. C4i’s ground breaking RED/Black IP system is United States Department of Defence recognized and Tempest accredited, currently in use with the USAF, RAAF and NATO Air Forces. C4i’s engineering and product team are experts in this niche, mission critical, high-security market and has years of experience integrating Type 1 cryptographic devices into Air Defence communications applications.

C4i has been delivering its SwitchplusIP® VoIP technology to niche markets such as Air Defence, Public Safety and Maritime Ports for over six years, making it a market leader of this technology in its niche markets.

(C4I)

NZ Joins US Network of Military Satellites

19 Januari 2012

New Zealand use satellite to improve communication (photo : World News)

The Defence Force is to join a United States network of nine military satellites to improve communications between New Zealand and overseas deployments.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says New Zealand joins Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg and the Netherlands in getting access to the network in return for partially paying for the ninth satellite.
Dr Coleman says that will cost New Zealand $83.2 million over the next 20 years, but will ensure better communications for military personnel deployed overseas.

The minister says until now, New Zealand has had to buy satellite bandwidth at spot prices which can involve premiums of up to 100% depending on demand.

(Radio New Zealand)

Three More Projects Approved

29 November 2011

Battlespace Communication System concept (all images : AustralianSpace)

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that the Government has given approval for three major Defence capability projects.

This brings to 35 the number of first pass, second pass and other approvals for major projects in 2011, worth a total of around $6 billion.

The three projects are:

Combined pass approval for improved Battlespace Communications Systems, including purchase of around 11,000 new digital radios for ground forces (Project JOINT 2072 Phase 2A);

First pass approval for the lead-in fighter capability assurance program which will provide enhanced training systems to provide Air Force pilots with the capabilities they need to allow training for current and future combat aircraft (Project AIR 5438 Phase 1A); and

First pass approval for a new fixed-site Air Traffic Management and Control System which will replace existing radars and command and control systems which are reaching their life of type (Project AIR 5431 Phases 2 and 3).

These combined approvals are estimated to involve expenditure of around $500 million and when complete the projects are likely to represent a commitment to Australia’s national security by Government of up to $1.2 billion.

Battlespace Communications

The Government has provided combined first and second pass approval for Phase 2A of the Battlespace Communications System (Land) project and approved funding of around $450 million.

JOINT Project 2072 is a multi-phased project to provide an enhanced digital communications capability for the Australian Defence Force, primarily for the Army.

Phase 2A will deliver around 11,000 digital combat net radios that will replace existing analogue equipment and builds on approvals that Government provided for Phase 1 of the project in 2009.

The Phase 1 contractor, Harris Corporation, will be engaged for the provision of Phase 2A radios.

Lead-in-Fighter

The Government has provided first pass approval for Phase 1A of the Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program (Project AIR 5438).

This project will upgrade Air Force’s capability to produce aircrew with the necessary skills to operate current RAAF combat aircraft, like the F/A-18 Classic and Super Hornet fleets as well as the future combat aircraft, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

The Government has approved funding of $43 million for Defence to develop options and conduct risk mitigation activities prior to Government approval at second pass, presently scheduled for 2013-14.

The total cost of Project AIR 5438 is identified in the Public Defence Capability Plan as being between $100 and $300 million.

Air Traffic Management and Control System

The Government has provided first pass approval for Phases 2 and 3 of the Air Traffic Management and Control Systems project.

This project will deliver replacement surveillance radars, and tower and approach automation systems for the current systems which are approaching the end of their life of type.

A key feature of the project will be to enhance interoperability between military and civil air traffic management systems, as announced in the 2009 ‘National Aviation Policy White Paper – Flight Path to the Future’.

The Government has approved funding of $6.9 million for capability development activities, prior to second pass, which is scheduled for 2013-2014. The total cost of Project AIR 5431 Phase 2/3 is identified in the Public Defence Capability Plan as being between $300 to $500 million.

(Aus DoD)

LEN Targetkan Peningkatan Kontrak Pengadaan Alkom

02 November 2011

Fiscor 100 Manpack (photo : LEN)

ANTARAJAWABARAT.com, - PT Len Industri (Persero) mengharapkan peningkatan kontrak pengadaan alat komununikasi dari Kementerian Pertahanan 2012.

"Nilai kontrak dari Kementerian Pertahanan dalam pengadaan alat komunikasi bagi TNI masih sangat kecil, diharapkan dengan semangat pembelian produk dalam negeri untuk mendukung alutsista kontrak pembelian ke Len meningkat," kata Direktur Utama PT Len Industri (Persero) Wahyudin Bagenda di Bandung, Jumat.

Tidak disebutkan nilai kontrak pesanan alat komunikasi dari Kementerian Pertahanan ke PT Len itu, namun menurut Wahyudin nilainya belum signifikan.

Namun ia optimis, dengan komitmen Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yang mewajibkan pengadaan alutsista memanfaatkan produk dalam negeri, PT Len Persero optimis bisa mendapatkan kontrak pemesanan lebih besar lagi.

"Pembelian produk Len selama ini untuk perangkat pendukung, terutama alat komunikasi. Salah satu alat komunikasi dipasang di Panser Anoa buatan PT Pindad," kata Wahyudin.

Produk Alkom Fiscor-100 produk PT LEN telah mendapatkan sertifikasi dari Litbang TNI-AD sejak Desember 2010 lalu. Selain itu LEN juga terus mengembangkan alat komuninasi Manpack Alkom Fiscor-100 yang merupakan hasil kerjasama antara PT Len dengan Litbang Kementerian Pertahanan.

Wahyudin Bagenda menyebutkan, Len telah melakukan pengembangan produk pertahanan sejak tahun 2001. Semua desain produk itu merupakan hasil karya dari kemampuan anak bangsa yang ada di Len.

Selain memproduksi alat komunikasi dan alat pendukung pertahanan, Len juga memproduksi sistem persinyalan Kereta Api, pembangkit listrik tenaga surya, maintenance pembangkit listrik KRL serta beberapa produk lainnya berbasis teknologi informasi.

PT Len Industri (Persero) merupakan salah satu BUMN Strategis yang tahun 2011 ini menargetkan pendapatan senilai Rp1,4 triliun.

(Antara)

General Dynamics to Deliver Combat SAR Radios to Australian Defence Force

06 Oktober 2011

AN/PRC-112G radios provide encrypted two-way messaging and GPS-location capabilities that help combat search and rescue teams quickly locate and rescue downed aircrews and military and paramilitary forces. (photo : surcom)

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – General Dynamics C4 Systems has received a $12.7 million contract from the Australian Defence Force to provide AN/PRC-112G® GPS-enabled search and rescue radios and accessories. Part of the HOOK2? System, the AN/PRC-112G radio sends encrypted global positioning information, user identification, situation reports and other critical information to combat search and rescue aircraft in short bursts to reduce the risk of detection and interception.

“Twenty-eight countries are now using HOOK2® radios for their combat search and rescue operations,” said Chris Brady, vice president of Assured Communications for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “For NATO and coalition users, this system provides unprecedented search and rescue communications interoperability enabling international forces to work together efficiently and effectively when lives are in the balance.”

The HOOK2? Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) system comprises the AN/PRC-112G radio, Quickdraw2® Interrogator and Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Base Station, and allows downed air crews or isolated personnel to securely contact combat search and rescue resources over long distances. The radio is interoperable with satellite-based search and rescue systems, including the International Cospas-Sarsat Programme.

(General Dynamics)