L3Harris will design, produce and assemble the specialised mounts and integration kits used to fit tactical radios and communications equipment securely inside about 80 in-service Australian Army Bushmaster Command and Troop variants. This work will occur over the next 38 months.
Federal Member for Lilley, Anika Wells, announced this new work during a visit to L3Harris Technologies’ Pinkenba facility.
“This work will support local engineers, technicians and tradespeople to equip Army Bushmasters with secure and reliable communications systems, helping our soldiers stay connected and make informed decisions in the field," Minister Wells said.
L3Harris will bring the communications equipment inside each Bushmaster together as one reliable C4I system. This will allow soldiers to stay securely connected with other vehicles and commanders, share critical information and make faster, better-informed decisions in difficult conditions.
“We are proud that our Pinkenba team will apply its experience in advanced communications and vehicle integration to deliver this important capability for the Australian Army," Managing Director L3Harris Communications Australia and Vice President Mission Critical Communications, Andrew Rushbrook, said.
“This work demonstrates the depth of Australian industry expertise, bringing together systems design, prototyping, assembly, integration and testing here in Australia.
“Working with specialist Australian suppliers will strengthen the local supply chain and build an enduring capability that can support future Defence requirements.”
Work at Pinkenba will include surveying the vehicles, designing the equipment, assembling the integration kits, installing the first prototype and testing that everything works as intended.
L3Harris will explore opportunities for apprentices to work alongside experienced engineers, technicians and tradespeople and gain practical experience on an important Australian Defence Force (ADF) program.
Australian businesses will supply specialist cables, fabricated parts, engineering experience and logistics support.
Horsell Consulting, Eylex, Cablex and Able Industries Engineering are among the Australian businesses contributing to the program, supporting jobs and technical capability across the broader defence industry.
Its Indo-Pacific Regional Support Centre supports tactical and Satellite communications and other specialist equipment such as night fighting equipment used by the ADF, the New Zealand Defence Force, regional partners and first responders.