Login
iscover
The company entered into an agreement with BAE Systems Australia’s maritime division for the design of an integrated communications systems capability onboard the Hunter Class frigate.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Rohde & Schwarz confirmed that it has signed an agreement with BAE Systems Australia’s maritime division for the design and manufacture of an integrated communications system (ICS) for use on board the RAN’s Hunter Class frigate program, with the contract enabling extra work to be added onto the scope over time.
According to the company, the initial scope includes in country program management, systems engineering, integration, installation and verification services ahead of the procurement of the integrated communications system for the next-generation anti-submarine warfare vessel in development by BAE Systems Australia.
“The selection of Rohde & Schwarz Australia as communications system integrator (CSI) in this early phase of the Hunter program is a clear validation of the Commonwealth’s and BAESA’s intent to create opportunities for local industry participation,” Gareth Evans, managing director of Rohde & Schwarz Australia, said.
“During our 40 years here in Australia, we have established a sovereign CSI and service delivery capability of which we are rightfully proud. This has been demonstrated time and again through our delivery of highly capable systems to our customers in Australia and the region.
“On Hunter, Rohde & Schwarz Australia will be seeking to maximise opportunities for competitive Australian industry to assist in the manufacture, integration, testing and commissioning of the ICS.
“We have also secured from STS Defence Ltd. in the UK the technology transfer and licence to manufacture the Configurable Communication Masts, or pole masts, for the Hunter Class. This allows us to deliver on our Australian industry content commitments to both BAESA and the Commonwealth, grow the local manufacturing capability and enable a more efficient and reliable delivery and local sustainment arrangement.”
According to Kieran McLaughlin, Rohde & Schwarz Australia head of maritime domain, the company is expected to utilise lessons from the incorporation of the Naval Integrated Communications System (NAVICS) into the UK’s Type 26 frigate and the RAN’s Evolved Cape Class patrol boats.
“We have now provided more than 40 navies with our scalable, modular and customisable solutions,” McLaughlin said. “NAVICS will revolutionise on-board communications for the RAN, implementing the most modern IP-based Multi-Level Security (MLS) architecture for naval vessels.
“Rohde & Schwarz Australia’s role as the CSI on the ECCPB underpins the knowledge transfer through our Australian capability. As leading-edge communications technology, delivering world-class capabilities, while simplifying third-party integration and minimising personnel requirements and total cost of ownership, NAVICS is in a class of its own. We are incredibly proud and excited to be delivering this world leading capability to the Royal Australian Navy.”
[Related: Rohde & Schwarz unveils new UMS400 outdoor spectrum monitoring and radiolocation capability]
