The ADF's electronic warfare capabilities will be significantly expanded after Defence today announced it has approved a major new joint project worth $500 million over the life of the program.
The Electronic Warfare Operations Support for Maritime and Land Forces project will provide electronic warfare equipment and infrastructure – significantly sharpening the ability of naval ships and army units to deal with threats emerging across the electronic warfare spectrum.
Once delivered, the systems will better prepare the ADF for operations in complex threat environments consistent with the objectives of the Defence White Paper and Integrated Investment Program.
Minister Pyne said Australian companies would be the big winners of the decision, with the bulk of the $500 million budget helping to drive local jobs and economic growth.
“Australian companies’ BAE Systems Australia and Ultra Electronics Avalon Systems, will deliver the major equipment to support deploying navy and army units.
“In a boost for the Australian economy a new facility will also be built within the Edinburgh Defence precinct in South Australia to house laboratories, simulation equipment and testing support systems.
“The facility and systems delivered will be operated and sustained by Defence scientists, military personnel, public servants and Australian industry.
Minister Payne said the program would build on the existing Electronic Warfare Operations Support for the ADF’s Air capability.
"This program will sharpen the capability of the ADF and is needed to ensure Australia keeps its edge on the modern day battlefield. It will better prepare the ADF to conduct operations in areas where advanced threats such as missiles could threaten lives and assets and will also provide a significant boost to ADF capabilities," he said.
“Many of the electronic warfare support systems to be acquired by this project will be portable and capable of operation within Australian ranges and training areas."