Further Large Scale Projects

Airborne Surveillance for Land Operations JP 129 Phase 2
Improvements to the Logistics Information Systems
Mulwala Redevelopment Project
Follow-on Stand Off Weapon
High Frequency Modernisation
MILSATCOM Terrestrial Infrastructure
Ships Self Defence Capability – Rapid Acquisition
Military Integrated Logistics Information System
Next Generation Satellite Program

Airborne Surveillance for Land Operations JP 129 Phase 2

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This project will provide tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) systems to enhance intelligence surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capability for land and littoral operations. The project scope includes two TUAV systems, each comprising four aircraft, two ground control stations, four remote video terminals and the associated tactical support systems.

Improvements to the Logistics Information Systems

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Joint Project 2077 Ph 2B provides significant improvements and rationalization of the Defence logistics management system, and is one of the largest information technology projects currently under development in Australia.

Phase 2 of this project is a multi-staged approach to deliver new core software and increase the financial functionality of the logistics information management systems. Concurrent sub-phases will deliver improved in-transit visibility of cargo in the supply chain, enhanced deployable capability and a radio frequency identification system.

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The Mulwala project will deliver a modernised propellant manufacturing capability at Mulwala, New South Wales to replace the existing capability that dates back to the 1940s. The works include construction of new nitrocellulose, solvent and propellant production plants, a confined burn facility and a performance and Safety Testing Centre.

A contract was signed with Bovis Lend Lease in June 2007 for the design and construction on a modernised facility.

Significant milestones during 2008-09 include the completion of detailed designs, bulk earth works, the Confined Burn Facility and the Performance and Safety Test Centre. Significant progress will also be made on the major production facilities (Solvent, Nitrocellulose and Propellant Production facilities). The foundations and structural steel erection will be completed and ready for the installation of the process equipment; utilities installations are also expected to be completed by the end of June 2008.

Practical completion of construction is scheduled for April 2010 and completion of qualification of propellants for use in the ADF ammunition is scheduled for June 2011. Certification of ammunition using the qualified products is scheduled for December 2012.

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Prime contractor: An FMS case was established with the US Air Force in July 2006 to supply AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM). A commercial contract was signed with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in September 2006 for support for integration of JASSM with F/A-18F aircraft and supply of technical data and documentation

This project is acquiring JASSM for integration onto the F/A-18A/B aircraft to improve weapon terminal effectiveness against well defended targets.

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This project aims to provide a Modernised High Frequency Communications system by replacing Naval High Frequency Stations at six sites, replacing Air Force High Frequency stations at four sites, upgrading design and performance of the systems replaced, and upgrading selected ADF Mobile platforms.

The project is delivering the new capability in two stages. The completed first stage replaced and rationalised existing facilities. The second stage will provide increased levels of automation, improved capability, enhanced security and survivability, reduced reliance on staff and will incorporate the new equipment into selected mobile platforms.

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Joint Project 2008 Phase 3E will provide terrestrial infrastructure and through-life support for a netted, broadcast and full duplex satellite communication service to high priority platforms and units. This will be achieved by a Defence payload on the Optus C1 satellite.

Systems to be delivered include 26 land terminals, 15 maritime terminals, a primary injection facility and theatre broadcast software. All 26 terminals have been delivered and accepted, although further testing to remediate some technical issues is being conducted prior to commencing roll-out to units in mid 2007.

The Primary Injection Facility, which provides the theatre broadcast capability, has been successfully installed into the Defence Network Operations Centre with testing and delivery achieved in March 2007, and now providing limited operational services. The project remains on target with only minor variances, due primarily to ship availability.

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Prime Contractors: Alliant Techsystems Ind. (USA) and Rafael Armament Development Authority (Israel).

Phase 1 of SEA 1779 Ph 1 will provide a dual level ship self defence capability for HMA Ships Kanimbla, Manoora and Tobruk.

This capability will provide better defence against watercraft, land targets, helicopters and floating mines. The capability will consist of an integrated fire control system and Toplite electro-optical director system. The 25mm Bushmaster naval variant cannons are to be integrated to provide the cannon for the Typhoon system.

Initial Operational Release of the first ship with optimal self defence capability is scheduled for July 2009, with Final Operational Capability to be achieved by end-2009.

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Prime contractor: Mincom Ltd is the prime contractor for Phase 2B, and is the provider of the core software system to be known as the Military Integrated Logistics Information System (MILIS).

JP2077 is a project to modernise and integrate Defence’s logistics information systems. The program is being delivered in multiple phases, each addressing specific capability requirements, which include supply chain, inventory control and repair and maintenance functions to support the ADF’s capabilities in Australia and in all areas of operations. The existing core Logistics system, the Standard Defence Supply System (SDSS), is based on a product developed by Mincom Pty Ltd in the 1990s.

Phase 2B.1 of the project is in the acquisition phase. Phase 2B.1 will provide upgraded core software and improved financial management capability. Implementation will occur in 2009.

Phase 2B.2 will provide an enhanced deployable capability as well as an improved in-transit visibility. Second pass approval was attained from the Government in December 2006. The project is currently reviewing the acquisition strategy for this phase with delivery due for completion by 2012.

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Prime contractor: The Boeing Company (USA) via the US Government.

This project seeks to deliver high priority components of the next generation satellite communication system that will support the ADF from 2008 onwards. The project will address the ADF’s wideband satellite communications requirement through Australia partnering on the US Wideband Global Satellite Communication System program.

Australia has entered into a partnership with the US in its Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) Communication System under the JP 2008 Phase 4 program. The US had an approved program for a five wideband satellite constellation and offered Australia the opportunity of partnering in the program through a contribution equivalent to the cost and sustainment of a sixth satellite.

Australia now has access to the satellite constellation with capacity and coverage available to Australia increasing progressively as the number of satellites increases.