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Australian Defence Force to get new Air Defence Command and Control Systems

The Australian Defence Force is to acquire two Regional Operations Centres which will provide air defence command and control and more accurate detection and identification of aircraft in Australian airspace.

The Defence Acquisition Organisation has named Brisbane-based Boeing Australia Ltd as preferred tenderer for Regional Operations Centres which will replace existing control radar units at RAAF Bases Tindal (NT) and Williamtown (NSW).

Subject to successful negotiations, Boeing Australia will provide display, data processing and communications equipment for the Regional Operations Centres. The new centres will provide command and control facilities, using data from airborne and ground-based radars including the Jindalee Over the Horizon Radar Network, naval ships and the civilian air traffic control network.

"As well as producing a consolidated air picture, the linking of all these sensors will provide more accurate detection and identification of aircraft in our airspace," a Defence spokesman said.

"The access to radar data and communications will allow control of military aircraft on training flights and exercises.

"While the current air defence system can network a number of sensors, the new Regional Operations Centres will provide a considerable enhancement in terms of capacity and sustained effort to maintaining Australian air sovereignty.

"The Regional Operations Centres will also enhance the inter-operability achieved between the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force, and with the armed forces of other countries during training and exercises."

Boeing Australia has teamed with Boeing GCCS in Seattle USA, to provide the display and data processing equipment, and is considering three Australian sub-contractors for the development of communications switching equipment.

"Boeing Australia will install the high technology systems on site, bringing together capabilities developed both here and overseas," he said.

He said that the prime contractor, Boeing Australia, is currently considering a number of Australian sub-contractors for the development of communications and switching equipment.

"There should be considerable benefit to Australian companies through transfer of technology involved in development, installation, testing and maintenance processes," he said.

"In-country support for the new command and control systems, including hardware maintenance, software support and logistic services will be done by Boeing Australia and other local companies."

The first Regional Operations Centre, to be installed at RAAF Tindal, is expected to be operational by the end of 2001.

Further information . . .

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