Babcock secures 10-year contract with Australian Defence Force

The 10-year contract will see Babcock lead the operation and support of the customer's existing HF capability, while delivering a comprehensive technology upgrade programme.

Starting in October 2023, the new system will provide Australian and allied armed forces with the ability to securely communicate using voice and other data from almost any location across the globe.

Babcock noted that it is now the largest provider of strategic HF communications in the world.

The company’s principal partner for the programme, Lockheed Martin Australia, will support in the delivery of mission system elements that will grow" a sovereign industrial capability solution to provide through life support over the duration of the program and beyond".

Chief executive David Lockwood said: "Our selection demonstrates our ability to bring together complex and critical digital defence capability in an area of increasing importance to our customers around the world.

"In a modern threat environment, access to local communication infrastructure or satellite communication cannot be assured. Having a communications capability that can work seamlessly with the Australian Defence Force and its allies is essential."