Babcock begins operating Defence HF Comms System

Babcock Australasia has officially commenced operation of the Defence High Frequency Communications System (DHFCS), providing operation, management and maintenance upgrades.

As the Commonwealth’s industry partner under JP 9101 (Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System), Babcock is leading the operation and support of the existing DHFCS capability, while delivering a technology upgrade over the initial 10-year contract period.

The $877m program is Babcock Australasia’s single largest-ever contract to date.

The project is creating more than 150 jobs, the majority of which are Adelaide-based at the company’s new Keswick office. Staff will also be situated across regional centres including Exmouth, Wagga Wagga, Townsville, Darwin, as well as support facilities in Canberra.

Babcock Australasia Managing Director Mission and Support Systems Brad Yelland said the JP 9101 contract establishes Babcock as the 'largest provider of strategic High Frequency Communications in the world'.

“We’re really excited to be officially embarking on the critical High Frequency Communications Systems upgrade for the Australian Defence Force,” said Yelland.

“The importance of effective, reliable and resilient communication in the modern threat environment cannot be understated.

“The new system will provide the ADF and its allies with an enhanced communications capability with levels of reliability and operational resilience not seen before within this technology domain.

“Through Babcock, our service men and women will have the ability to securely communicate using voice and data to almost anywhere on Earth.”

Babcock’s principal partners on this strategic program include Lockheed Martin Australia, Ventia, Ebor, CyberCX and Daronmont.

At the heart of the solution is Babcock’s Intelligent Network and Serial Protocol Interface for Radio Equipment (INSPIRE), which the company says provides a 'step-change' in ease of upgrade and re-configuration that will ensure Australia’s EDHFCS will remain current and ready to support the ADF.

Babcock has also recently welcomed Mike Trenery to the team as the Babcock Australasia’s Program Director for High Frequency Communications programs.