Elbit Systems wins RAN BMS contract

Elbit Systems has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for the supply of Battle Management Systems (BMS) for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) landing craft. The value of the contract, announced on 2 October, was not released.

According to the company, the systems are to be integrated into landing craft installed on board the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) amphibious ships. The watercraft will enable transport of troops and equipment from the LHDs to the shore including where there are no fixed port facilities and will allow communication and connectivity with the infantry forces in joint operations. The first LHD, named HMAS Canberra, is due to be commissioned in January 2014 and the second ship, HMAS Adelaide, is planned to commission in June 2015.
 
Elbit Systems has been supplying its BMS to the Australian Army under the defence network-centric Land 75/125 programme.

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, general manager of Elbit Systems’ Land and C4I Division, commented on the contract, saying: ’The fact that the ADF, one of the most advanced and modern [forces] in the world, has decided to also equip its navy with our BMS, attests to its satisfaction with the quality and maturity of our systems. This decision also reflects the need of world-leading armies to enhance the connectivity and communication between their divisions, and we trust that additional customers will follow and select our advanced BMS.