Lockheed Martin has been selected by the Department of Defence as the strategic partner for Air 6500 Phase 1, a program that will provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS) for the future Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) capability.
The JABMS will support a coordinated air and missile defence capability across the ADF and national infrastructure, providing greater situational awareness of advanced air and missile threats and increased interoperability with international partners.
The government has committed $765 million to deliver the Joint Air Battle Management System, as the second tranche of what is expected to be a multibillion-dollar program.
The project is likely to generate up to 230 jobs, including for subcontractors, in high-tech areas including software development, systems engineering, project management and logistics. Around 150 jobs will be in South Australia, 60 in the NSW Hunter region, with others in Brisbane and Canberra.
“Lockheed Martin is deeply committed to being the ADF’s trusted, long-term sovereign partner for Air 6500-1. To deliver on this key strategic national endeavour, we are leveraging our vast experience delivering battle-proven Integrated Air and Missile Defence systems and harnessing the full might of Australian industry to build a sovereign 21st Century Security capability trusted to defend Australia and its national interests now and in the future,” said Warren McDonald, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand.
“This approach will ensure Australian small to medium enterprises have ‘box seats’ in the global supply chain. The Integrated Air and Missile Defence sovereign technologies being created in Australia today will be exported to the world in the future – unlocking a $83B export market for Australia’s defence industry.”
Lockheed Martin’s winning bid integrates Silentium Defence’s MAVERICK passive radar sensors, which are in various stages of trial and use across Army, Navy, Air Force and commercially, both domestically and internationally.
"Our passive radar sensors provide an undeniable advantage for the ADF and its allies – the ability to see without being seen from ground to space. We would also like to acknowledge both bidders for their genuine commitment to engaging Australian industry as part of this process and solution," said James Palmer, CEO of Silentium Defence.
“Through collaboration and early engagement, the AIR6500 bid process has demonstrated the depth and breadth of capability across Australia’s Defence industry. More than that, it has demonstrated capability and readiness of Australia’s SME community to step-up and deliver true sovereign advantage and world-leading technologies. Silentium Defence is thrilled to be a part of this important program for Defence, and we are already underway with the skills and team to deliver.”
The government is also accelerating the ADF’s Medium-Range Ground-Based Air Defence capability, which will form part of a layered, integrated air missile defence capability. Options are currently being developed with several companies for government consideration.
“The Albanese Government is working at pace to ensure the ADF is equipped with modernised capabilities that will allow it to transition into a genuine integrated force optimised for national defence, as we implement the findings of the Defence Strategic Review," said Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister.
“The new Joint Air Battle Management System, and the Medium-Range Ground-Based Air Defence System will contribute effective capabilities as part of an integrated ADF. These capabilities are essential in our pursuit of preserving and protecting our sovereignty and security, while also promoting stability in our region.”