The Australian Government has announced it will invest approximately $133.6 million over five years in command and control capabilities to support Australian Defence Force (ADF) air operations. As a part of this, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) will lead the sustainment of the ADF's Air and Space Operations Command and Control Capability System (ASO-C2CS).
“I’m delighted to announce this new $133 million contract with Kellogg Brown and Root," Acting Assistant Secretary Joint C4 Systems, Colonel Darren Moore, said.
“The 2024 Defence Strategic Review highlighted the need to streamline delivery processes to achieve minimum viable product. This contract will enhance capability and reduce the complexity in delivering essential mission support products to the Australian Defence Force."
The recent signing of the sustainment contract with KBR will deliver integration enhancements to the ASO-C2CS, which allows Defence personnel to plan and conduct air operations.
“KBR has for more than two decades, supported the development, delivery and evolution of critical data-centric technologies that provide commanders with real-time situational awareness, enabling informed decision making,” KBR Australia Defence and Security Solutions, Nic Maan, said.
The enhancements will focus on an electronic information management system, which will enable improved decision-making and force integration, by providing critical information in complex airborne missions.
“This contract highlights the Australian Government’s commitment to providing the Australian Defence Force with the superior capabilities it needs to maintain operational advantage over potential adversaries," Colonel Moore explained.
“Capabilities such as the Air and Space Operations – Command and Control Capability System will help the Australian Defence Force support aviation assets against threats to Australia and our national interests.”
KBR will provide technical and operational support for the software and hardware systems to deliver a whole-of-Defence Air and Space Operations Command and Control capability in a new 5-year contract that started on 1 August 2025.
“I am pleased that KBR will be supporting the ADF’s Air and Space Operations with the sustainment of critical mission planning capabilities. Ensuring these capabilities are reliable and work cohesively together will enable faster, more informed decision making for operators, ultimately supporting the ambition of an integrated force," Maan stated.
The ASO-C2CS will comprise three core elements which KBR will support – Mission Planning Systems, Air Resource and Scheduling and Electronic Flight Bag. Together, these systems provide critical decision-making information for complex airborne missions to be efficiently planned and executed.