Page 84 - Australian Defence Magazine Nov 2020

84 BUDGET OVERVIEW
FIGURE 6 – TOP 30 ACQUISITION PROJECTS BY 2020-21 FORECAST
NOVEMBER 2020 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
BUDGET
PROGRAM NAME AND SERIAL NUMBER ESTIMATE DESCRIPTIONS 2020-21 $M
AIR DOMAIN
During 2020-21, spiral capability upgrades will continue on both Super Hornet and Growler aircraft F/A18F Super Hornet & Growler 473 and associated support systems. Growler aircrew training will remain a priority with the ongoing
Weapon System CAF21 introduction of the Mobile Threat Training Emitter System which will also provide broad benefit across the entire Air Combat Program.
Aircraft availability continues to be a key focus in 2020-21, in particular supply chain and deeper Multi Role Helicopter – 285 maintenance performance. The introduction of the MRH-90 [Taipan] multi-role helicopter into the 6th
MRH90 CA48 Aviation Regiment, to replace Black Hawk in the aviation support role to Special Operations, remains the sustainment program’s current priority.
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter CAF30 267
During 2020-21, a number of activities will be completed to support achievement of Initial Operational Capability in December 2020. These activities will be qualified through the sovereign Verification and Validation program which includes the expansion of F-35A pilot training at RAAF Base Williamtown. Long- term activities will be progressed to expand and mature the Australian F-35A sustainment support system in terms of deeper maintenance (covering air vehicle, propulsion and components), off-board information systems, reprogramming, aircrew and maintainer training, and local spares supply arrangements.
Airborne Early Warning and Control System – AEWC CAF20
During 2020-21, the focus will be on maintaining fleet mission capability and availability throughout the 257 AIR 5077 Phase 5A modification program while continuing to assess, prioritise and address emerging
obsolescence requirements and minor modifications to maintain the capability.
KC-30A Weapon System Multi-role Tanker Transport CAF22
During 2020-21, the focus will be on continued maturation of sustainment performance, while
193 supporting military operations and the expansion of additional aircraft types certified as capable of air-
to-air refuelling from the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport.
During 2020-21, Defence will continue to work closely with Airbus Australia Pacific to further improve Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter 174 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter serviceability and rate of effort achievement. Other key
Weapons System CA12 areas of activity are the management and treatment of technical obsolescence to ensure continued capability through to the Tiger Planned Withdrawal Date in 2028.
Lead-In Fighter Hawk 127 Weapon 164 During 2020-21, there will be a focus on finalising Hawk 127 planned withdrawal date extension proposals System CAF03 to align with the introduction of project AIR6002 Phase 1A – Future Lead-In Fighter Training System.
MH-60R Seahawk Romeo 151 The Seahawk Romeo capability is operated from HMAS Albatross in Nowra and is supporting eight Helicopter CN35 embarked flights in Navy ships.
P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol 131 During 2020-21, the focus will be on maturing the Through Life Support contract arrangements (including and Response CAF35 establishing Depot Maintenance support) and upgrading the fleet to the latest P-8A capability baseline.
C-17 Heavy Air Lift Weapons 122 During 2020-21, the focus will be on preparations associated with US Air Force support contract System CAF19 changes being implemented in early 2021-22.
During 2020-21, the focus will be on effectively managing the fleet’s deeper maintenance, support to C130J-30 Weapon System CAF06 117 a modification program to enable enhanced air-land integration, and maintaining the improved engine
availability and reliability.
Pilot Training System CAF37 99
During 2020-21, the final milestones and contractual acceptance will be achieved under AIR 5428 PH1. Final Operational Capability is forecast for December 2021.
F/A-18 Hornet Weapon System CAF02 93
During 2020-21, the focus will be on the continued measured drawdown of the Classic Hornet capability while supporting the residual fleet.
Wide Area Surveillance (OTHR) CAF13
During 2020-21, BAE Systems Australia will continue to progress multiple obsolescence remediation projects to ensure the capability remains effective until the radar upgrade is conducted under project Air 2026 Phase 6.
C27J Spartan Battlefield 84 During 2020-21, the focus will be on continued maturation of the C-27J Spartan sustainment system Airlifters CAF34 and the support contracts to deliver an increased flying rate of effort.
JOINT DOMAIN
Command Support Systems - Battlespace CA33
100
During 2020-21, the focus will be on working with Elbit Systems of Australia to redefine the Battle Management System sustainment contract.
Battlespace Communication Systems CA31
99
The Battlespace Communication Systems Comprises a range of deployable data and voice communication systems used for battlespace command and control. This includes radios (both carried by individuals - dismount and installed into vehicles - mounted) and associated ancillary equipment, such as vehicle intercom systems, batteries and chargers. Battlespace Communications Systems also includes a modern deployable integrated telecommunications network for the transfer of secure data, voice and video around the battlefield.
Command and Intelligence Systems CA40
70
The Command and Intelligence Systems product schedule sustains deployable command and intelligence systems, including software applications, deployable hardware systems and specialist military equipment. CA40 have various industry partners engaged in the sustainment and maintenance of these critical capabilities for the ADF. Primary contractors are Thales Australia and Fujitsu.
The key components of the Command and Intelligence Systems product schedule are:
• Deployable Wide Area Network
• PsychologicalOperationsDeployableSystem
• Enhanced Deployable Local Area Network Middle East Region
• Minor Systems - Deployable Geospatial and Intelligence Systems
• SpecialOperationsCommandSupportSystem