Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP
and Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne yesterday announced
the approval of the Land 200 Tranche 2 Project.
Worth up to AU $1.4 billion, the project will enhance the
Australian Defence Force’s digital command, control and communications systems
and support hundreds of local jobs.
LAND 200 Tranche 2 will deliver sustainment training and simulation capabilities for individual and collective Battle Management Systems requirements; weapons integrated Battle Management Systems (into the Tank and ASLAV); Brigade Headquarters software applications for all headquarters functions including interoperability with key Joint and Coalition systems.
Minister Pyne said Harris Communications Australia will
deliver the tactical communications network, including encrypted radios, and
Elbit Systems of Australia will enhance the Battle Management System software,
which tracks our units, delivered under Land
200 Tranche 1.
“Together they form the Battlefield Command System, which
allows commanders to plan, monitor, direct and review operations in real time,”
said Minister Pyne.
Minister Payne said this will change the way the Army fights
by continuing its transformation from an analogue voice and paper-based force
to a modern digital one.
“It will improve our land combat and amphibious warfare
capabilities by providing fast, accurate information over secure and reliable
digital communications,” said Minister Payne.
“The Battlefield Command System will integrate with weapon
systems in Australia’s tanks and future combat vehicles, increasing decision
speed and the ability to share information across the battlefield.”
Minister Pyne said Harris and Elbit’s Australian workforce
will grow as a result of the Turnbull Government’s investment.
“Harris’ Australian workforce will increase by 70 to 120
positions in Brisbane and another 15 new positions will be established by their
major subcontractor, Boeing Defence Australia,” said Minister Pyne.
“Elbit’s Australian workforce to support Land 200 will grow
by 70 to 122 with 67 in Brisbane and 55 in Melbourne.”
Australian industry involvement is valued around AU$215
million for acquisition and this is expected to nearly double to around AU$400
million during project sustainment.
