iscover
Leidos Australia has been awarded a new contract by the Department of Defence to sustain one of the Australian Defence Force’s most important air command and control systems.
The agreement, worth AU$35.4 million over an initial four-year term, covers the sustainment of the Air Component Command and Control Capability System (AC-C2CS). The deal also includes options for up to six additional years of extensions.
Under the contract, Leidos will provide on-site sustainment services to Defence’s Joint Systems Division, Joint C4 Systems branch. This will include operational support, engineering services and training to ensure the ADF maintains the high availability and resilience of the mission-critical system.
AC-C2CS is a suite of software applications that underpins the planning, preparation, execution and reporting of ADF aviation operations. The system provides commanders with integrated air operations command and control, as well as intelligence, targeting and situational awareness functions – all vital for Australia’s ability to conduct and coordinate air campaigns in joint and coalition environments.
Leidos has partnered with Australian defence technology company Spirit Group to ensure continuity of service during the transition period. The company’s local track record includes delivering and supporting some of Defence’s largest C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems, as well as providing cyber security services across deployed and strategic networks.
Leidos Australia chief executive Paul Chase said the company was honoured to take on responsibility for such a critical element of Defence’s aviation command capability.
“We are proud to be trusted by Defence to take on sustainment of this mission-critical capability. As an experienced sustainment provider, Leidos will demonstrate flexibility and exercise our ‘best for capability’ mindset that delivers pragmatic, mission-focused outcomes,” Chase said.
The announcement reflects Defence’s broader push to strengthen sovereign industry partnerships and reduce reliance on overseas contractors in sustaining complex digital systems.
As the ADF modernises its command and control networks under the Integrated Investment Program, industry partners such as Leidos are expected to play an increasingly important role in ensuring operational readiness and resilience.
