Release of the tender for JP2072’s Phase 2B heralds a new era for ADF battlefield communications as inefficient legacy analogue systems are replaced with modern high capacity bandwidth equipment that will provide digital IP connectivity from HQ to lower echelon units. The majority of this equipment will be acquired as in-service MOTS/COTS capabilities.

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare held a two-day round of meetings in September with senior Defence officials and the CEOs of companies which have projects on the Projects of Concern (POC) list.

The F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) test aircraft BF-2 made its first deck landing aboard the USS Wasp last month, the first at-sea vertical landing for the Marine Corps’ STOVL (Short Take-Off vertical Landing) version of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

The ADF is pursuing its goal of a networked force by data linking ships, aircraft, even weapon sites, and major command and control nodes. The technical and configuration control challenges are formidable, and are being tackled through JP2089.

Just because you are not seeing anything wrong, this doesn’t imply you are not under attack. The US Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative (CNCI) has focussed attention and resources on situational awareness, education and the technical and tactical response.

It’s a truism that a platform is not a capability: the implications of this for all three services are something The Williams Foundation explored in a seminar at the Australian Defence College last month

The cyber threat to Australia is real, evolving and continuing to test our defences, said the Attorney-General, Mr Robert McClelland, in his keynote speech to the ADM Cyber Security Summit.

The ADF’s goal of becoming a networked force will be one step closer in the near future when the new incarnation of its Joint Command Support Environment enters the second Evolution of JP2030 Ph.8.

US robotics leader iRobot Corp. is introducing a newly configured Seaglider Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV). Seaglider can now be outfitted with a larger set of fairings that significantly increases its volume and mass payload capabilities.

Two key ADF projects received 2nd Pass Approval last month: the purchase of 12 new watercraft for the two Canberra-class LHDs under Joint Project 2048 Ph.3, and the enhancement of information and technology infrastructure at Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) .

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract of undisclosed value for the development and delivery of training for the RAN’s Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships. The training will rely heavily on simulation and virtual scenarios using the latest technology, including avatars.

The first industry briefing held since selection of the MH-60 Romeo as the RAN’s new combat helicopter has emphasised potential Global Supply Chain opportunities for local SMEs rather than new work that is likely to emerge solely from MH-60R support.

BAE Systems Australia is hoping its combination of local smarts, built on programs like Parakeet and Raven, and reachback to similar programs by its UK parent will help it secure the prime contract for JP2072 Phase 2B

No sooner had Minister for Defence Stephen Smith taken delivery of the RAAF’s fifth C-17A Globemaster III airlifter, whose purchase was announced at this year’s Avalon air show, than he announced the likely purchase of a sixth C-17A.

UK online journal, Battlespace reports that the UK’s Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox intends to follow Australia’s example by publishing a list of ‘contracts of concern’, pending the outcome of a Major Projects Review Board (MPRB) meeting schedule for September.

Project Sea 1442 is the mechanism by which Defence is networking the Navy’s surface fleet with a new architecture of IP-based wide area networks and a new generations of communications bearers. Phase 3 is already successfully under way with 2nd Pass Approval for Phase 4 due next year.