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Rohde & Schwarz Australia has signed a contract with BAE Systems Australia's
maritime division for the early design of an integrated communications system for
the Royal Australian Navy Hunter Class Frigate Program.
Sydney, May 3, 2022 – Rohde & Schwarz Australia will design and manufacture
an integrated communications system (ICS) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Hunter
Class Frigate Program (HCFP), following signature of a contract with BAE Systems
Australia's (BAESA) maritime division that allows for the addition of scopes of
work over time.
Under the initial scope of the early engineering contract, Rohde & Schwarz
Australia will provide in country program management, systems engineering, integration,
installation and verification services for the acquisition and introduction into
service of the ICS.
"The selection of
Rohde & Schwarz Australia as Communications System Integrator (CSI) in this
early phase of the Hunter program is a clear validation of the Commonwealth's and
BAESA's intent to create opportunities for local industry participation," said Rohde &
Schwarz Australia Managing Director Gareth Evans. "During our 40 years here in Australia,
we have established a sovereign CSI and service delivery capability of which we
are rightfully proud. This has been demonstrated time and again through our delivery
of highly capable systems to our customers in Australia and the region."
"On Hunter, Rohde & Schwarz Australia will be seeking to maximise opportunities
for competitive Australian industry to assist in the manufacture, integration, testing
and commissioning of the ICS," Mr. Evans added. "We have also secured from STS Defence
Ltd. in the UK the technology transfer and licence to manufacture the Configurable
Communication Masts, or pole masts, for the Hunter class. This allows us to deliver
on our Australian Industry Content commitments to both BAESA and the Commonwealth,
grow the local manufacturing capability and enable a more efficient and reliable
delivery and local sustainment arrangement."
Rohde & Schwarz Australia Head of Maritime Domain Kieran McLaughlin said
the company will leverage experience gained from integration of its Naval Integrated
Communications System (NAVICS) into the Type 26 frigate now being delivered into
service with the Royal Navy, as well as the Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats (ECCPB)
for the RAN.
"We have now provided more than 40 navies with our scalable, modular and customisable
solutions," Mr. McLaughlin said. "NAVICS will revolutionise on-board communications
for the RAN, implementing the most modern IP- based Multi-Level Security (MLS) architecture
for naval vessels."
"Rohde & Schwarz Australia's role as the CSI on the ECCPB underpins the knowledge
transfer through our Australian capability. As leading-edge communications technology,
delivering world-class capabilities, while simplifying third party integration and
minimising personnel requirements and total cost of ownership, NAVICS is in a class
of its own," explained Mr. McLaughlin. "We are incredibly proud and excited to be
delivering this world leading capability to the Royal Australian Navy."
Craig Lockhart, Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia – Maritime welcomed
the contract with Rohde & Schwarz Australia: "During 2021 our focus was working
with Australian businesses in support of prototyping – enabling the materials and
services to build the prototype blocks at the state-of-the-art Osborne Naval Shipyard
in South Australia," Mr. Lockhart said. "As we now progress past the Systems Definition
Review our relationship with Original Equipment Manufacturers will increase significantly,
Rohde & Schwarz will provide fundamental design inputs for our Communications
capability on Hunter."
"Rohde & Schwarz Australia conducting this work in Australia is a great step
forward that doesn't only mean local jobs, but importantly, growing local capability.
We look forward to them being part of the Hunter team," Mr. Lockhart concluded.
Editor's notes: BAE Systems Australia will design, build and deliver nine Hunter
class frigates to the RAN, based on the Type 26 reference ship design which is currently
under construction in Glasgow for the UK's Royal Navy.
About Rohde & Schwarz
The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes
to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in
test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded
more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government
customers around the globe. On June 30, 2021, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,000
employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.34 billion
in the 2020/2021 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich,
Germany.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
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at www.press.rohde-schwarz.com.
Contacts
Rohde & Schwarz USA, Inc.
6821 Benjamin Franklin Dr.
Columbia, MD 21046
+1-888-837-8772
Web: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com
Europe, Africa, Middle East
+49 89 4129 12345
customersupport@rohde-schwarz.com
North America
+1 888 837 8772
customer.support@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com
Latin America
+1 410 910 79 88
customersupport.la@rohde-schwarz.com
Asia Pacific
+65 65 13 04 88
customersupport.asia@rohde-schwarz.com
China
+86 800 810 8228 or +86 400 650 5896
customersupport.china@rohde-schwarz.com
Posted May 4, 2022
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