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. 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. 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,” said Rohde & Schwarz Australia Managing Director Gareth Evans.
“We have now provided more than 40 navies with our scalable, modular and customisable solutions. 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. We are incredibly proud and excited to be delivering this world leading capability to the Royal Australian Navy,” Mr. McLaughlin said. “.”
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. Rohde & Schwarz is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, broadcast and media, aerospace, defense, security and networks and cybersecurity. The technology group’s innovative communications, information and security products help industry and government customers ensure a safer and connected world. On June 30, 2021, Rohde & Schwarz had about 13,000 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.28 billion in the 2020/2021 fiscal year. The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has subsidiaries in more than 70 countries, with regional hubs in Asia and America.
