US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has selected L-3 Communications to supply 51 Hawkeye III Lite 1.2-meter Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) as part of its wider programme to deploy an integrated wideband satellite communications capability. The $38.5 million contract includes the terminals, training and long-term sustainment services.
The contract will see L-3 Communications deliver one type of a family of transportable land terminals that will optimise the early use of Australia’s SATCOM system and provide communication services where commercial satellite resources are limited. The capability is scheduled for delivery in 2014.
John Mega, president of L-3’s Microwave Group, said: ‘This is L-3’s first entry into the Australian SATCOM market and this immediate success recognises the quality of our products and solutions. Australia is an emerging market for WGS-qualified terminals and we look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with the ADF and other local suppliers.’
The Hawkeye III systems will provide ARSTRAT-certified Ka- and X-Band, as well as commercial Ku-Band capability, in a very compact, fly-away package. L-3’s Australian division, L-3 Oceania, is leading the execution of the contract, which includes system deliveries over a 12-month period, followed by an initial three-year sustainment programme.
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.