The long running project to upgrade Defence’s cryptographic
capability known as JP 2069 is now scheduled to offer initial operations by
“late 2014” according to the most recent advice received from the Department.
By then, new technological decryption technologies based on
quantum computing may pose new threats to current generation high-grade
cryptographic equipment.
First emerging some 10 years ago as a two-phase project in
the DCP of 2004-14, the JP 2069 program was designed to replace dated
equipment, including managing associated cryptographic keys with phase 2 involving
a roll-out beyond 2010.
In palmier times JP 2069 expanded to a four phase program,
the first phase concerned planning and managing the three follow-on phases,
with recognition that the second and third phases might be combined. Phase 2
involved purchasing new serial and trunk components of HGCE to replace link
encryption equipment.
Legacy devices are currently installed on most naval assets,
and across Army, Air Force and fixed sites. JP2069 Phase 2 was scoped to
replace serial link encryptors that were becoming obsolete.
In October 2007, Defence contracted with General Dynamics C4
Systems to provide next-generation secure voice and data equipment as part of
the Joint Program (JP) 2069 High Grade Cryptographic Equipment - Secure
Telephony Modernization and Replacement program.
The information assurance equipment will enable multiple
levels of voice and data security across public switched telephonenetworks
(PSTN) or commercial satellite networks. General Dynamics will deliver Sectéra®
Wireline Terminals, Sectéra GSM wireless telephones and related secure
accessories. At the time, General Dynamics put the value of the contract, if
all options were exercised, at $US7 million.
The project went through a multi-tranche two pass government
process, receiving “final” approval in November 2012. ADM understands purchase
of all the required hardware and the first installation is completed with a
successful installation on a naval platform in January this year. Phase 3 covered rolling out the new Key
Management and Security Management Infrastructure. Phase 4 envisaged upgrading
Key Management and Security Management infrastructure and maintaining
interoperability with Allies.
Last year’s Budget saw JP 2069 deferrals and re-scoped
including phase 3 which was accorded “reduced provision” status. A Defence
spokesperson said that as part of the DCP 2012 development JP2069 Phase 4 was
merged with Phase 3.
Its Project Office is managing multiple design, integration
and installation contracts across Australia, predominantly using each
platform’s existing in-service support provider. Most contractors are now
working with the Project Office and System Program Offices to progress through
the required design phase prior to commencing installations.
The spokesperson said JP2069 is still on track in line with
advice provided to government with an initial operating capability expected in
late 2014 with activities continuing through as far as FY 2017-18.
The program is thought to be substantially less than $100
million. A question on notice from Senator Johnston (Question No. 2088)
indicated that JP 2069’s phase 2 approval was set at $24 million in June last
year. AusTender JP 2069 contracts researched by ADM indicate a total committed
spend of around $7 millon up to the end of March 2013.
Most equipment is likely to be sourced from overseas, either
through foreign military sales or commercial arrangements. However, there is
scope for integration and installation work from Australian industry. The
primary equipment is expected to be off the shelf commercial or military
solutions that will be integrated into both new and existing communication
systems.
Suppliers that ADM has identified that have contributed to
the project so far include
- BAE Systems Australia which won contracts in late 2011 totalling $370,244. In September 2012 it won a three year contract worth some $4.8 million to replace the cryptographic equipment on Defence’s Orion AP-3C air fleet.
- Trustee for JNM Family Trusts received $17,600 for WAN testing in August 2012.
- Australian Aerospace $10,681.80 late 2011
- Rolls Royce Australia Services received $94,283.43 for reporting on how well Phase 2 (purchasing hardware) requirements were met
- Earlier planning phases of the project on 2009-10 saw Qinetiq Consulting ($119,000), Booz & Company ($29,927) involved
- Freight of the sensitive equipment from the US saw some $894,638 going to the US Defence Courier Service since last year
- Past winner of ADM awards Canberra-based CEA Technologies received $422,099 for design and installation this year
- Local SME, Daronmont Technologies also received $294,358 for its design and installation services
- Global security company Cassidian SAS received some $266,593 so far.
While BAE appears to have the initial action, contenders for other aspects of the roll out could include Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon and Thales.