Photo: Defence Connect

Defence has this morning revealed the preferred tenderer for JP 9102 Phase 1 overseeing the delivery of Australia’s new military satellite communications system.

Defence has revealed that Lockheed Martin Australia has been selected to deliver the multi-billion dollar JP 9102 – Phase 1 program.

Following the announcement, it is expected that the prime contractor will move to the next stage of the procurement process, which Defence explains will include taking part in “collaborative tender clarification and improvement activities.”

According to Defence, the proposed military satellite communications capability is expected to include:

• Geostationary communications satellites controlled and operated by Defence.
• Ground stations located across the country.
• Integrated Satellite Communications Management System.
• Two new satellite communications operations centres.

Head of Air Defence and Space Systems Division, Air Vice-Marshal David Scheul, explained that the project will enhance Australia’s satellite communications system.

“Currently across Defence, there is up to 89 capabilities which depend on satellite communications,” AVM Scheul said.

“Once delivered, the new system will increase the resilience, agility and flexibility of Defence’s military satellite capability.”

Warren McDonald, chief executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, explained that the offering will help support the war fighting capability of the Australian Defence Force.

“This capability will provide the Australian Defence Force with robust connectivity and reliable information when and where they need it, and by extension, contribute further to the growth and development of Australia’s defence and space industries,” he explained.

A company spokesperson explained that the program will be delivered in collaboration with local small and medium sized enterprises, with the prime contractor committed to supporting knowledge and technology transfer.

The Lockheed Martin Australia-led team includes Inovor Technologies, EM Solutions, AV-Comm, Linfox, Shoal Group, Ronson Gears, Calytrix Technologies, Conscia, Clearbox Systems, DXC and Blacktree Technology.

The program is expected to leverage the company’s pedigree in space systems, Robert Lightfoot, executive vice-president for Lockheed Martin Space, said.

“We are excited to work with the Australian Defence Force and Australian industry to develop a robust solution for JP 9102,” said Lightfoot.

“We are bringing to bear all of Lockheed Martin’s companywide capabilities as well as our commitment to supporting allied nations to provide an operationally proven system that meets mission needs in terms of coverage, capacity, resilience and extensibility of the constellation.”

READ MORE