Lockheed Martin Australia and C4i collaborate to build secure communications for AIR6500

Lockheed Martin Australia has joined forces with Melbourne-based secure communications systems expert C4i, as part of a proposal to deliver advanced secure communication capabilities to support the RAAF’s Project AIR6500 Phase 1 (AIR6500-1), Joint Air Battle Management System.

The contract will see the two companies work together to design, test, integrate and authenticate secure voice communication technologies as part of the risk reduction phase in transitioning to Lockheed Martin Australia’s proposal for AIR6500-1 acquisition.

The secure communications systems technologies will focus on homegrown secure voice communication systems that connect into next generation Joint Air Battlement Management C2 networks, while increasing system security, rapid response and interoperability in support of the RAAF’s Integrated Air and Defence Missile (IAMD) mission.

To sustain this critical system, an intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) is being developed that will connect operators while integrating a range of disparate systems–data, radio, telephony, facility control and recording–anywhere, at any time. The HMI will connect across classified and non-classified networks to aid RAAF’s air battle managers make faster data driven decisions to remain ahead of future threats.

“C4i is delighted to work with Lockheed Martin Australia on AIR6500-1, which further builds on our joint work for the Air Battle Management enterprise.” Said C4i’s Sales & Marketing Director, Kerrie Murphy.“C4i is committed to delivering a purpose-built cyber-proof communication system that enables the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to communicate securely and seamlessly across multiple domains and in the most demanding operations

“We provide secure voice C2 systems that can scale to support hundreds of operators connect, allowing operational flexibility, multiple data paths and no single point of failure. This ensures that personnel on the ground or in the air have the freedom to complete the task at hand – knowing the system behind them is always up to the job.”

“This contract demonstrates our commitment to build a sovereign voice communication system for AIR6500-1 to enable rapid decision making at tactical and strategic levels of command and control across joint force operations.” Kendell Kuczma, Lockheed Martin Australia International Business Development Director of Rotary and Missions Systems