Rohde & Schwarz has announced a collaboration with Babcock Australasia to support the Fixed High Frequency Radio Refresh (FHFRR) project recently awarded to Babcock by the NZ Ministry of Defence (MoD).
As a subcontractor, Rohde & Schwarz will provide R&S M3SR Series4100 high frequency (HF) radios, high power amplifiers (5 kW and 10 kW) and spares for the program.
Babcock Australasia will be replacing the NZDF’s fixed HF radio capability, which is expected to be fully operational by August 2023. The company is additionally tendering for the ADF's Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System (EDHFCS) program, again partnering with Rohde & Schwarz.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Rohde & Schwarz and leverage their organizational and technological capabilities to help meet our customer’s very unique requirements,” David Ruff, CEO of Babcock Australasia, said. “We look forward to bringing this critical communications solution to NZ and beyond.”
“Rohde & Schwarz welcomes this contract in NZ, having a longstanding history in HF communications,” Hansjörg Herrbold, Vice President Market Segment Navy Rohde & Schwarz, said. “Since HF wideband technology drives the need for high power systems, the company is now offering 5 kW and 10 kW amplifiers backed by decades of experience in the transmitter business. We will fully support Babcock Australasia in implementing and operating this modern communications solution.”
Rohde & Schwarz's Australian subsidiary has an integration and through-life support capability in Sydney that currently services defence communications contracts and air-traffic control communications contracts in both NZ and Australia.
Babcock Australasia and Lockheed Martin Australia are teaming on the ADF’s Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System (EDHFCS) under Joint Project 9101.
Keep an eye out for ADM's July/August edition, in which BAE Systems Australia chief Gabby Costigan will discuss Boeing and BAE's bid for JP 9101.