BAE Welcomes New Commitment to Australian Innovation

November 23, 2016

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BAE Systems Australia has welcomed today’s announcement by Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne of $4.9 million to support the development of world leading Electronic Warfare technology for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The announcement brings to almost $40 million the amount allocated recently to BAE Systems by the Australian Government for research and development of technology for the Australian Defence Force.

The “Cuttlefish system” has been developed through collaboration between BAE Systems Australia and the DST Group. The technology is unique in that it protects the integrity of RAN platforms from an adversary’s surveillance in real time.

The funds will enable BAE Systems to continue to mature the Cuttlefish capability for the next 24 months, culminating in sea trials in 2019. Pivotal to the Company’s development of this innovative technology is its collaboration with Defence.

BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Glynn Phillips said: “The Company is at the forefront of Australian Electronic Warfare innovation that enables military platforms to operate in the presence of hostile electronic signals.

“We have purposefully worked to create a unique domestic capability in Australia that is today an integral part of a stronger, more Sovereign Australian industry.”

Today’s announcement follows:

• A three year, $32 million contract announced in October to provide the RAN with an improved anti-ship missile test capability. The Future Advanced Threat Simulator (FATS) is an airborne radar system designed to closely emulate the in-flight behaviour of a range of anti-ship missiles. It has been designed to provide a test and evaluation and fleet training capability to assist with the development of advanced maritime self-protection concepts for the RAN. Work on the project started in September and supports 20 specialist roles at the company’s Edinburgh Parks facility.
• A Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program contract awarded earlier this month to continue work on the development and demonstration of advanced radio frequency sensor technology that aims to significantly enhance battlespace awareness in the maritime domain. The $1.2 million funding for the Maritime Composite RF Sensor Performance project will run over 18 months to improve the performance of radar sensors on ships.

Source : BAE Systems PLC (LSE: BAES.L)