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Technology offering Defence personnel with streamlined access to ISR data is set to officially enter service.
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Australian Defence Force analysts can now search for and assimilate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data across multiple databases, with new integration technology, developed in partnership with Leidos Australia, achieving final operational capability (FOC) as part of JP 2096.
Dubbed “Wagardi” — a Larrakia word meaning “dilly bag”, given to Defence by the Larrakia People — the technology is designed to accelerate the delivery of information users, improving decision-making in the battlespace.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said introducing Wagardi into service with the ADF would make it easier for personnel to “access, discover and collaborate” on ISR information.
“The Wagardi capability is a step change in the ease with which intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information is able to be accessed and utilised,” Minister Conroy added.
“Achieving this milestone allows Defence to put this capability in the hands of a broad range of personnel who rely on quick and reliable access to the vast amounts of information produced by Australian and allied Defence capabilities.”
Meanwhile, Defence has confirmed Leidos Australia would continue as the prime system integrator for the next two tranches of JP 2096 Phase 1.
Leidos has been tasked with overseeing Wagardi’s effective introduction into service before delivering tranche two, which aims to extend the same search and discovery functionality to deployed users.
Tranche three is expected to focus on integrating data from selected allied, coalition and whole-of-government data stores.
According to Minister Conroy, the project would continue to provide opportunities to local industry, with the Commonwealth government previously estimating around $450 million would be invested locally upon completion of the project.
“Having Leidos, together with other Australian providers, deliver the final two tranches of the joint project will ensure approximately $95 million is spent in Australia,” he said.
[Related: Marles spruiks AIC for timely nuclear subs delivery]
Charbel Kadib
News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media
Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.
