The Hon Pat Conroy MP
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery
Minister for International Development and the Pacific

The Albanese Government is upgrading communication systems on Royal Australian Navy ships under a $200 million program with Boeing Defence Australia that will create dozens of jobs across the Brisbane region.

This investment will create more than 50 local jobs primarily in Brisbane, which will be home to the main hub for design and development work for this project.

The contract will deliver a state-of-the-art secure and interoperable communications system, known as the Maritime Warfighter Network, and will provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a single integrated communications network.

This project enhances Navy’s capabilities in line with the National Defence Strategy and is consistent with Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities set out in the Albanese Government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy.

It also builds on the Government’s previous investment of more than $150 million in Australian-made satellite communications terminals for Navy vessels and is another example of our commitment to building a defence future made in Australia.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“These upgrades enhance Navy’s ability to conduct operational tasks, such as surveillance and multi-domain strike. This shows the Albanese Government is ensuring our ADF personnel have access to a modern communication system that makes them better prepared to safeguard Australians and their interests.

“With this investment the Albanese Government is making Australia safer while providing financial security to dozens of families by creating more than 50 new jobs.”