BAE Systems’ advanced terminal infrastructure, Maritime Communications Element (MASTIS), is expected to provide a major enhancement to the RAN system operations.

Specifically, the upgraded terminals are designed to provide increased bandwidth, greater efficiency of Defence satellite capacity, and enhanced network interoperability between ships, aircraft and land-based platforms.

“The sailing of the first ships to receive their MASTIS upgrade is a really important milestone in this program and demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with the Commonwealth to bring timely capability to the end users,” BAE Systems Australia defence delivery director Andrew Gresham said.

“BAE Systems Australia’s commitment to the sustainment of our Navy fleet goes beyond the vessels themselves.”

The upgraded capability is being installed on the RAN’s landing helicopter dock ships, the Anzac fleet, the guided missile destroyers, and amphibious support ship HMAS Choules.

HMAS Choules is expected to become the second ship to be upgraded, departing Garden Island shortly after Parramatta, with the remaining 12 ships to be upgraded during their planned maintenance cycles over the next 12-18 months.

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As part of the program, the land based MASTIS training facility will also be upgraded at North Ryde for RAN training.

[Related: BAE Systems Australia appoints new maritime sustainment director]

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.