Page 20 - Defence Industry Guide #56 2022

20 DEFENCE NEWS
ADM’s Defence Industry Guide 2022 | Edition 56 | www.defencesuppliers.com.au
ROHDE & SCHWARZ SELECTED
AS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS INTEGRATOR FOR HUNTER PROGRAM
ROHDE & Schwarz Australia will de- sign and manufacture an integrated communications system (ICS) for the RAN Hunter Class Frigate Program, following signature of a contract with BAE Systems Australia’s (BAESA) maritime division that allows for the addition of scopes of work over time.
Under the initial scope of the ear- ly engineering contract, Rohde & Schwarz Australia will provide in country program management, sys- tems engineering, integration, instal- lation and verification services for the acquisition and introduction into ser- vice of the ICS.
“The selection of Rohde & Schwarz Australia as Communications System Integrator (CSI) in this early phase of the Hunter program is a clear vali- dation of the Commonwealth’s and BAESA’s intent to create opportuni- ties for local industry participation,” Rohde & Schwarz Australia Managing Director Gareth Evans said. “During our 40 years here in Australia, we have established a sovereign CSI and ser- vice delivery capability of which we are rightfully proud. This has been demon-
strated time and again through our de- livery of highly capable systems to our customers in Australia and the region.
“On Hunter, Rohde & Schwarz Aus- tralia will be seeking to maximise op- portunities for competitive Australian industry to assist in the manufacture, integration, testing and commission- ing of the ICS.
“We have also secured from STS Defence 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 commit- ments to both BAESA and the Com- monwealth, grow the local manufac- turing capability and enable a more efficient and reliable delivery and local sustainment arrangement.”
Rohde & Schwarz Australia Head of Maritime Domain Kieran McLaughlin said the company will leverage experi- ence gained from integration of its Na- val Integrated Communications Sys- tem (NAVICS) into the Type 26 frigate now being delivered into service with the Royal Navy, as well as the Evolved
ABOVE: Rohde & Schwarz Australia will design and manufacture an integrated communications system (ICS) for the RAN Hunter Class frigates.
Cape Class Patrol Boats (ECCPB) for the RAN.
“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) ar- chitecture 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, deliv- ering 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 capa- bility to the Royal Australian Navy.” ■
BAE SYSTEMS