Australian Defence Force personnel will be better equipped to detect and thwart enemy forces on the battlefield under a A$150 million project approved by the Government this week, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
Senator Hill said the money would be spent upgrading the electronic warfare capabilities of the Army, Navy and Air Force to give our deployed forces the intelligence edge when planning and conducting operations.
"Force level electronic warfare is used by the ADF to identify and locate threats by intercepting the electronic emissions of enemy forces given off by systems such as radio communications, radars and weapons," Senator Hill said.
"The information gathered is used by the ADF's deployed forces to find enemy forces, discern their intent and provide threat information to other ADF forces in the area of operations. It also contributes to the preparation of intelligence assessments."
The ADF has a range of electronic warfare systems aimed at intercepting emissions from an adversary's communications, surveillance and weapon control systems. However our ability to intercept these signals needs to be updated to ensure we keep up with technologically advanced modern military systems. Project Bunyip will provide the ADF with new deployable electronic warfare equipment.
The Army will be equipped with signals interception technology that can be fitted in light vehicles and supported with an improved communications network. Soldiers on the ground will also get new electronic jamming systems able to jam, neutralise or deceive enemy radio communications and radar systems. These jamming systems will be a new capability for the ADF.
The Air Force and Navy will receive equipment for their major aircraft and ships that is capable of intercepting signals from a range of threat systems. These new systems will enhance or replace existing ADF capabilities and will extend the reach of the ADF's electronic warfare capabilities.
"The Defence 2000 White Paper stressed the need for the ADF to maintain first-rate intelligence capabilities," Senator Hill said.
"In combat operations, the ability to gain an intelligence edge over an adversary or to disrupt their communications can be decisive. The new Defence Capability Plan incorporates substantial and sustained investment in intelligence capabilities, including at the tactical level. These new capabilities, which will be introduced from 2008, are crucial elements of this investment."
