The ADF's Defence High Frequency Communications System (DHFCS) is set for a major capability upgrade under a 10-year program to be delivered by Babcock Australasia (Babcock).
The new contract will see Babcock lead the operation and support of the existing HF capability, while delivering a comprehensive technology upgrade program over the initial 10-year contract period.
Commencing in October 2023 under the JP9101 - Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System (EDHFCS) program, the new system will provide Australian and allied armed forces with the ability to securely communicate using voice and data from almost any location across the globe.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the Government would invest $1.96 billion dollars to upgrade communications equipment and facilities across Australia, build a new communication site near Darwin, and establish a software development centre in Adelaide.
“In partnership with Babcock, Defence will grow and strengthen Australian industry’s high-frequency communications capacity, further developing workforce skills, knowledge and expertise that are central to delivering this leading-edge capability,” Minister Conroy said.
“This will complement Defence’s investment in secure and resilient satellite communications to support our soldiers, sailors and aviators on operations at home and abroad.
“Australia and our international partners will use these latest advances in command and control methods over the coming decades.”
“In a modern threat environment, access to local communication infrastructure or satellite communication cannot be assured. Having a communications capability that can work seamlessly with the ADF and its allies is an essential requirement for military operations,” David Ruff, Babcock’s Chief Executive Officer Australasia, said.
“Our selection reinforces confidence in our ability to bring together complex and critical digital defence capability to meet the needs of our customers, an area of increasing importance to our global customers.”
Babcock’s principal partner for the program, Lockheed Martin Australia will support Babcock in the delivery of mission system elements. At the heart of the solution is Babcock’s Intelligent Network and Serial Protocol Interface for Radio Equipment (INSPIRE).
“The project will create more than 150 new jobs, most of which will be located in Adelaide where a Contract Support facility will be established. This will, together with existing defence programs such as Air 2025 JORN, create an economic cluster in High Frequency technologies in South Australia," Ruff said.
“The remainder of staff will be situated across multiple Regional Centres in Exmouth, Wagga Wagga, Townsville, Darwin, as well as an operations support facility Canberra.”