Specifically, the companies have agreed to collaborate to deliver an Integrated Control Segment, designed to enhance flexibility across commercial and military SATCOM networks.

This latest collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the companies, which have supported the HEOsat program — a joint project between the government of Norway, the US Air Force and Inmarsat, aimed at delivering broadband services to the Arctic region.

“As an established satellite communications provider to the ADF, we’re proud to partner with Inmarsat and build on our shared history of developing global satellite communications networks,” Christine Zeitz, general manager, Northrop Grumman Asia Pacific, said.

Rajeev Suri, chief executive of Inmarsat, welcomed the opportunity to work alongside Northrop Grumman Australia to meet the future battlespace requirements of the ADF.

“Together, we provide the right balance of program delivery track record, access to advanced satellite system technology, protection against evolving threats, and sovereign assurance through long-term delivery for Australia, from Australia,” Suri said.

“Inmarsat brings highly complementary capabilities to Northrop Grumman’s JP 9102 proposal. Both companies have proven delivery capability as demonstrated on current ADF satellite programs.”

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Northrop Grumman Australia is competing against a host of other major contractors, including Airbus, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA), Lockheed Martin Australia, and telecommunications giant Optus.

The JP 9102 tender is scheduled to close on 10 January.

[Related: Lockheed Martin Australia reinforces JP 9102 team]

Charbel Kadib

Author

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.

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