News Review: first pass approval for ATC, maritime comms project | ADM Feb 2011
The Federal Government has given 1st Pass Approval for two major Defence capability projects: to provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with new deployable air traffic management and control systems under Project Air 5431 Ph.1; and to modernise the communications capability of the Royal Australian Navy’s eight Anzac class frigates.
The Government has also approved the consolidation of the F/A-18A/B Hornet structural refurbishment programs.
The three announcements combined will involve expenditure of between $650 million and $950 million by the time they are completed, according to defence materiel minister Jason Clare.
The deployable air traffic management and control systems will enable the ADF to safely manage airspace in deployed locations, overseas or in Australia.
They could be deployed in a range of situations including in the event of a natural disaster or to support humanitarian relief efforts, Clare said.
Project Air 5431 Phase 1 is cost capped between $100 million and $150 million.
2nd Pass approval for the project is scheduled for in the period 2012-13 to 2014-15.
The new Anzac Frigate communications equipment will be acquired under Project Sea 1442 Ph.4.
This phase is cost capped between $300 million and $500 million. 2nd Pass approval on this project is due in the period 2012-13 to 2014-15.
Clare said the Government has also approved the consolidation of a range of refurbishment work on the Royal Australian Air Force’s, F/A?18A/B Hornets into a combined program, with cost-capped expenditure between $250 million and $300 million.
This combined program is estimated to result in savings of more than $500 million over the previously planned approach, but deliver the same enhanced capability result.
It will also increase the operational availability of the overall fleet of classic Hornets.
The classic Hornets have been in service for 25 years and the consolidated refurbishment program will help to ensure they remain a key element of the ADF’s air combat capability through to the end of this decade when they will be replaced by the Joint Strike Fighter.