Australia Invests in Advanced Long-Range Communications for Australian Defence Force

Canberra: The Australian government has announced a major boost to Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) strategic high-frequency communications capability to support regional and global operations.

The Department of Defence and London-based aerospace and defence company, Babcock recently signed a contract to equip the Australian Defence Force with an enhanced high-frequency communications system. 

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy MP, said the government would invest AUD$1.96 billion ($1.2 billion) to upgrade communications equipment and facilities across Australia, build a new communication site near Darwin, and establish a software development centre in Adelaide.

“In partnership with Babcock Pty Ltd, Defence will grow and strengthen Australian industry’s high-frequency communications capacity, further developing workforce skills, knowledge and expertise that are central to delivering this leading-edge capability,” Minister Conroy said.

“This will complement Defence’s investment in secure and resilient satellite communications to support our soldiers, sailors and aviators on operations at home and abroad.

“Australia and our international partners will use these latest advances in command and control methods over the coming decades.” –shp/adj/adod (Image: Babcock)