Rohde & Schwarz delivers comms systems for first Australian enhanced Cape-class boat
NAVICS MLS will improve on-board communications for the RAN, implementing the modern IP-based MLS architecture for Cape-class boats. (Photo: Austal)
Rohde & Schwarz delivered communication systems for the first of the Royal Australian Navy’s Enhanced Cape-class Patrol Boat (ECCPB) on 23 March.
As communication systems integrator, Rohde & Schwarz has assisted prime contractor Austal in upgrading Australia's Cape-class vessels to utilise a customised Naval Integrated Communications System (NAVICS) for secure and reliable communications.
Following market tendencies, Rohde & Schwarz abandoned outdated TDM technology for the upgrade and instead focused on modern industry standards and COTS hardware, eliminating the risk of expensive obsolete equipment.
A multilevel security architecture allows secure trusted and tamper-proof communications between multiple domains with different security classifications.
Gareth Evans, MD at Rohde & Schwarz Australia, highlighted: ‘The system they’ve integrated into Cape Otway is the first multi-level security NAVICS system to have completed this level of operational preparedness anywhere in the world.'
Austal is the prime contractor providing shipbuilding expertise, manufacturing work and testing the vessels following the installation of NAVICS.
A total of six vessels will be built under the contract announced in May 2020. The delivery of the first boat was initially expected for September 2021, while the final boat will be handed over by mid-2023.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the contract is worth A$324 million ($238 million), and it will take the total Cape-class vessels between the Border Guard and navy to 16.
This story was amended on 25 March to highlight Austal's role as prime contractor.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026]()
First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026
Canadian Coast Guard Ship Arpatuuq construction is in the block manufacturing phase. Once built, it will be the largest vessel in the Coast Guard’s inventory.
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
![South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch]()
South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
-
![ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth]()
ST Engineering Marine expands capacity, seeks regional partners for growth
The company could be looking to collaborate with other Asian nations as well as countries further afield as it pushes ahead with its shipyard expansion plans.
-
![US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production]()
US Navy approaches the award of a follow-on contract for Aegis production
Naval Sea Systems Command intends to grant a production agreement for the Aegis Weapon System covering the FY2026-FY2030 period.
