Defence issues RFI for Modernisation of Maritime Electronic Warfare

As part of the Modernisation of Maritime Electronic Warfare (MMEW) Project, The Australian Department of Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) is seeking information on electro-optic, infrared and ultraviolet systems and products for sensing.

The MMEW Project intends to deliver enhanced capability to the RAN using existing and emerging technology in innovative ways to control and operate in a congested Electromagnetic Spectrum.

Electronic Warfare (EW) is one of six Advanced Capabilities identified under Pillar 2 of the tripartite AUKUS agreement and its importance has been validated by experience in Ukraine and, more recently, during the HAMAS attack on southern Israel.

The key objectives of this RFI are:

• To identify existing electro-optic (EO), infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) systems and products that are capable of sensing and effecting (ie detecting, classifying, identifying, tracking, targeting and/or countering, engaging designated targets)
• To identify novel or less mature EO, IR and UV systems or products that can be further developed to provide future capability
• To understand industry capacity and maturity regarding the supply, support, maintenance and modification of EO, IR and UV systems or products

For planning purposes, the Commonwealth is also seeking non-binding indicative rough order of magnitude (ROM) unit cost for EO, IR and UV mission systems or products.

Responses are due 30 November 2023 via AusTender, Ref: JSD/RFI/35895/1 – For Further Information and to submit an RFI go here.