Blacktree Technology has become the first member of Airbus' Team Maier, which will respond to Australia’s JP9102 tender to deliver a complete Defence Satellite Communications System.
Airbus says the teaming arrangement aims to deliver a sovereign military satcom solution for Australia and to grow the defence and space eco-system for the long-term.
As the operator of the UK MOD’s Skynet 5 military satcom system, Airbus has worked with Blacktree for 15 years as part of the Skynet programme. Blacktree partnered with Airbus on Skynet 5 to install the UHF antennas for three of Airbus’ satellite ground station sites.
“Working with Airbus on the Skynet programme to deliver innovative solutions to the UK MOD, was a key enabler in our mission to become a global market leader in satcom ground segment solutions," Joe Nevin, CEO of Blacktree, said. "Blacktree’s reach now extends from our headquarters in Australia, to solving communications problems for customers in the UK, Europe, US, and to our long-standing customer, the Australian Defence Force.
"We welcome the opportunity to join Team Maier to deliver world leading, proven, sovereign solutions to military satcom programmes in Australia and, in particular, JP9102.”
“At Airbus, we are always looking to increase our engagement with experts in military satcom, particularly SMEs, an approach that has proven successful and beneficial to all parties on the Skynet 5 programme," Martin Rowse, Airbus Campaign Lead for the JP9102 programme, said. "With this latest move, we will collaborate with Blacktree to explore how we can support the development of their capability and increase innovative solutions to existing and future customers.
"This is key as the Australian Defence Force prepares to move to a fully sovereign military satcom provision under the JP9102 programme.”
In 2016, Airbus established a brand new purpose built satellite ground station in Adelaide to receive Airbus Defence and Space’s Skynet secure military satellite communications. Blacktree installed the UHF antennas at the Australian facility which reportedly extended Airbus’ existing chain of teleports in France, Germany, Norway, the UK and the USA, providing global coverage in both fixed and mobile satellite services.
Airbus says it is continuing to expand its investment and presence with vital secure connectivity services in Australia, having delivered naval communications solutions to the RAN for over 40 years.