Australia selects Lockheed Martin for Project Air 6500
A graphic showing what Air 6500 will look like in terms of air battlespace management. (Image: Lockheed Martin Australia)
Canberra has selected Lockheed Martin Australia as a strategic partner to steward the development of a Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS) under Project Air 6500 Phase 1, it was announced on 29 August.
Air 6500 Phase 1, worth A$765 million ($492 million), will result in a sovereign system providing greater situational awareness and helping defend against hostile aircraft and missiles. Indeed, it will be at the core of Australia’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) programme.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) envisions an integrated defensive umbrella that ranges from tactical air and missile area defence for forward-deployed army expeditionary units
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
-
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.