Australia narrows the field for Air 6500
Assets like the E-7A Wedgetail will contribute to the Joint Air Battle Management System being created under Project Air 6500. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
The ADF's plan to create a joint BMS to monitor airborne threats to Australia makes progress.
Australia has down-selected two US-based conglomerates in a competition to develop the Joint Air Battle Management System for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) under Project Air 6500 Phase 1.
The two primes chosen to go through to the final stage of the competitive evaluation process are Lockheed Martin Australia and Northrop Grumman Australia, with an announcement made by Defence Minister Peter Dutton on 5 August.
Air 6500 will invest A$2.7 billion ($1.99 billion) on a system to provide situational awareness and help defend against hostile aircraft and missiles.
The management system will also be at the core of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
