BAE Systems Australia yesterday announced a team of industry partners that ensures the best of Australian expertise is in place for its bid to upgrade Australia’s long-range High Frequency (HF) radar network.
Central to BAE Systems’ team is a partnership with defence systems integrator, Raytheon Australia, that the company hopes will deliver systems integration experience and expertise to the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) project.
“Since 1980 BAE Systems has contributed to the development and delivery of JORN, and we are very pleased to strengthen this unique experience with Raytheon’s proven software and systems integration capability,” BAE Systems Australia’s CEO Glynn Phillips said in announcing the partnership with Raytheon Australia.
The team includes SA-based defence company Daronmont Technologies and facilities management company RCR Resolve FM. Daronmont has niche systems integration, software and engineering expertise that complements the team. This Australian SME will also provide sounders and transponders for all JORN sites as well as niche software products. RCR Resolve FM will contribute remote site facilities management to the team. The company has extensive remote site experience in adjacent industries, as well as an established network of 50 depots.
“We are very pleased to be able to bring together a group of companies with the in-country expertise and technological skills necessary to upgrade and support JORN," Phillips said.
“We have selected our partners not only to ensure that the Commonwealth is supported by leaders in our individual fields, but to deliver a program where local knowledge, local expertise and local talent will contribute to the evolution of JORN, ensuring sovereign control of the technology, and building a foundation for future defence exports.”
If selected for the project, the HF technology, software and system integration knowledge from a 600-strong, highly-skilled local workforce will ensure that the upgrade to JORN is delivered efficiently and effectively. More than 20 specialist SMEs will also join the team to ensure high levels of innovation and broader industry participation.
“BAE Systems has taken the lead in supporting Australian SMEs like Daronmont and we are very pleased to be able to offer our HF Radar and remote support experience to the BAE Systems JORN solution,” Ben Norris, Daronmont Technologies CEO added.
Valued at more than $1 billion, the JORN upgrade and support contract is for Australia’s only real-time, long-range HF radar detection system that protects the country’s northern borders. BAE Systems was the first manufacturer of Australia’s long range HF Radar used in JORN. The network is a unique asset that is vital for situational awareness and supporting the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) air and maritime operations. It also provides wide area surveillance and information for the Government’s border protection, disaster relief, and search and rescue activities.