Babcock to provide high-frequency communications to Australia
Using Babcock's technology, members of the Armed Forces will be able to communicate more effectively and quickly in notoriously challenging terrain, such as built-up cities, mountains and jungles. (Image: Babcock International)
Babcock has been selected as the preferred tenderer to upgrade and sustain the Australian Defence Force’s high-frequency communication systems.
Babcock International has been selected by the Australian government to upgrade and sustain the Defence High-Frequency Communication System over the next ten years, with four potential extensions of two years.
Babcock Australasia will collaborate with Lockheed Martin Australia and the Australian Defence Force to deliver an upgraded system that provides effective long-range communications capability.
The collaboration between the companies was announced in May 2020 in response to an RfT issued under Joint Project 9101 for Enhanced Defence High-Frequency Communications System.
The result is a robust sovereign solution that provides the ADF with a performance edge across its operations for land and sea assets.
Babcock brings its experience providing defence HF communication systems for the UK and New Zealand.
The New Zealand MoD awarded Babcock a $16.7 million contract to overhaul the military’s HF radio network in March 2020.
David Lockwood, chief executive, Babock International, commented: ‘Fit for today and ready for tomorrow, our collaborative approach will deliver a secure, resilient and advanced high-frequency communications solution for the ADF.'
Babcock will now enter a period of commercial discussions and, pending a final Australian government decision, will achieve a formal contract award.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds]()
Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds
First quarter 2025 results have been dropping for companies in the past week but many of the US results come with a health warning in their forward-looking aspects about the potential impact of actions by the Trump administration.
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
