Babcock begins operation of critical JP9101 strategic communications system

Babcock Australasia has officially commenced operation of the Defence High Frequency Communications System (DHFCS) under the $877 million Joint Project 9101, providing operation, management and maintenance upgrades to support critical operations in Australia and overseas.

As the Commonwealth’s industry partner under JP9101 (Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System), Babcock is leading the operation and support of the existing DHFCS capability, while delivering a comprehensive technology upgrade over the initial 10-year contract period. At the heart of the solution is Babcock’s Intelligent Network and Serial Protocol Interface for Radio Equipment (INSPIRE), which provides a step-change in ease of upgrade and re-configuration that will ensure Australia’s EDHFCS will remain current and ready to support the ADF whenever and wherever it is needed.

Babcock Australasia Managing Director Mission and Support Systems Brad Yelland said the JP9101 contract, alongside similar contracts in the UK and New Zealand, establishes Babcock as the largest provider of strategic High Frequency Communications in the world.

“We’re really excited to be officially embarking on the critical High Frequency Communications Systems upgrade for the Australian Defence Force,” he said. “The importance of effective, reliable and resilient communication in the modern threat environment cannot be understated.

“The new system will provide the ADF and its allies with an enhanced communications capability with levels of reliability and operational resilience not seen before within this technology domain.”

The program is Babcock Australasia’s single largest-ever contract to date and is creating more than 150 high-tech jobs across Australia, the majority of which are Adelaide-based at the company’s new Keswick office. Staff will also be situated across regional centres including Exmouth, Wagga Wagga, Townsville, Darwin, as well as support facilities in Canberra.

Babcock’s key partners and suppliers on this strategic program include Lockheed Martin Australia, Ventia, Ebor, CyberCX, Daronmont, Rohde & Schwarz and Antenna Products Corporation.