A Request for Tender announced today is part of a major program to enhance the Australian Defence Force's digital communications systems, Defence Minister Robert Hill said.
The Battlespace Communication System (Land) project will increase the efficiency and capacity of the Army and land-based Air Force elements to rapidly share information on the battlefield.
Senator Hill said this was a significant project for industry, offering opportunities during the first phase of the project to participate through the provision of systems design and integration services at a cost expected to be around $97 million.
"This project is a key component in the delivery of network centric warfare to the land environment," Senator Hill said.
"This project will deliver state of the art communications equipment as well as an upgrade plan to ensure that the ADF's equipment remains at the forefront of technology."
Equipment delivery will span the majority of field deployable units in both the Army and Air Force and is likely to range from small hand held radios to larger vehicle mounted communications equipment.
The Request for Tender closes on 29 April 2004 and contract signature with the successful tenderer is expected to occur in the third quarter of the year. Equipment introduction into service will commence in 2005/06, consistent with the 2004-2014 Defence Capability Plan.
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Defence Tender for Future Battlespace Communications Project
