A new joint communications experimentation laboratory opened in Canberra this month, marking a significant step in Defence’s efforts to modernise high frequency (HF) communications across the operational domains. 

Chief of Joint Capabilities Lieutenant General Susan Coyle and Deputy Director HF Interoperability Craig Jones opened the Joint Communications Interoperability Laboratory (JCIL) on October 23. 

HF signals, which enable beyond line-of-sight communications, offer an alternative to satellite communications – valuable in contested or congested environments. 

Staff at the facility will examine current and emerging technologies to improve compatibility between HF systems. 

Director General Command, Control, Communications and Computers Systems Branch Brigadier Leslie Juckel said the facility would play a key role in the test and evaluation of new technologies. 

“HF has become a bit of a lost art across Defence,” Brigadier Juckel said. 

“It’s come back because of the current threat environment, where we want to mask our signals or operate in a contested and congested environment.

“When we design communications planning, HF has a key role to play. 

“We've got to get those skills back into Defence, and JCIL really helps that.” 

'When we design communications planning, HF [high frequency] has a key role to play.'

The JCIL initiative brings together experts from Defence and industry to deliver HF technology solutions. 

At the opening ceremony, Lieutenant General Coyle presented JCIL staff with a group commendation, recognising their contributions to enhancing operability with international partners and advancing secure communications capabilities. 

Lieutenant General Coyle commended them for their dedication and innovation in advancing cross-domain technical engagement.

“The outcomes JCIL members have delivered are outstanding and serve as a testament to the operational benefits that can be achieved through a motivated, dedicated and highly skilled external service provider workforce,” Lieutenant General Coyle said.

“Their achievements are in keeping with the finest traditions of Joint Capabilities Group and Department of Defence.” 

The JCIL team will also explore modernisation of communications security.

The Joint Command, Control, Communications and Computers Systems Branch integrates information technologies to enhance combat effectiveness, and acquires and sustains capabilities for Defence domestically and overseas.