BAE Systems Australia has signed a $160 million contract to triple production of its advanced passive radio frequency sensor (PRS) fitted to Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) and Naval Strike Missiles (NSM).
That will take production to more than 1000 units over the next six years.
Andrew Gresham, BAE Systems Australia Managing Director of Defence Delivery, said this sensor was highly innovative technology designed, developed and built in Australia.
“It is a world leading capability and a critical enhancing component of the Joint Strike Missile,” Gresham said.
“This is a significant achievement for our manufacturing teams at Edinburgh Parks and an innovation success story that has required more than a decade of commitment from our employees and our partner Kongsberg.
“Today’s announcement illustrates our company’s focus on investing in research and development and turning the outcomes into real cutting-edge technology for use on the battlefield.”
NSM is a ship-launched cruise missile able to strike sea and land targets at ranges of more than 200 kilometres. It’s been adopted by the US, Australia and other nations.
JSM is the air-launched variant and is the only anti-ship missile able to be carried in the F-35 weapons bay. JSM is entering service with the US, Australia and other nations.
JSM and NSM feature a multi-mode seeker with the PRS used to detect target radio and radar emissions.
This was announced by Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy in his speech to the National Press Club.
“I am pleased to announce that there will be a tripling of production of these sensors being supplied to Kongsberg under a new $160 million contract with BAE Systems,” he said.
“This will provide over 1,000 Australian-made sensors for Joint Strike Missiles around the world.
“Additionally, BAE’s contract with the NATO consortium will see a significant increase in Australian components used in the Block 2 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile.”
The relationship between the BAE Systems and Kongsberg to develop the PRS began in 2009 through initial engagement to conduct a study into electronic warfare applications and products for the JSM.
That was followed by sponsored studies assessing feasibility, power and weight, as well as investment by Commonwealth of Australia and the Norwegian Ministry of Defence.
BAE received funding in 2013 under the Priority Industry Capabilities program to support development of the seeker technology. A government-to-government agreement in 2015 formalised Australian-Norwegian collaboration on the JSM program.