Australian defence prime contractor, Austal, has teamed with Rohde & Schwarz, to submit a proposal to the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) in response to the SEA 1442 Phase 4 request for tender.
SEA 1442 is a maritime communications modernisation program for the eight ANZAC Class Frigates of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) that will provide a significant capability improvement to the existing communications environment between RAN assets in support of Network Centric Warfare.
The 2011 Defence Capability Plan indicates the expected acquisition cost for this program is “$300million to $500million (Low end of band)”.
This decision also continues to strengthen of the Group's defence credentials, demonstrated by the award of a contract by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service for the supply and support of eight 58m Cape Class Patrol Boats.
Austal chief executive officer, Andrew Bellamy, commented “our partnership with Rohde & Schwarz will add further momentum to the growth of Austal's capabilities as a prime defence contractor,” he said.
“Austal is very pleased to have formed this close working relationship with Rohde & Schwarz, who are internationally recognised for their experience in the field of integrated communications systems.”