“The
SEA1442 Phase 4 Acquisition Contract, valued at nearly $188 million,
will deliver a significant improvement to the communications capability
through an integrated system, including new radio and switching systems,
secure voice and tactical communications system, and a communications
management system,” Senator Johnston said.
“This new system will allow high speed networking of ships within
a task group as well as more efficient and effective communications
from ship to shore, and is a design that is used by the United States,
Canadian and the Royal Navies.”
Senator Johnston said the contract will provide job opportunities in
Melbourne for engineers, project managers, logisticians and other specialists
in military communications and in-service support.
“A separate five-year in-service support contract, valued at nearly
$18 million, will provide logistics, supply, training, engineering,
and maintenance support services for the sustainment of the delivered
capability.”
Selex ES Ltd, a United Kingdom based company, with significant experience
in delivering maritime communications capability will establish Selex
ES (Aust) in Melbourne to deliver this project and provide ongoing support
following delivery.
Further opportunities for Australian industry will occur through a number
of sub-contracts to small-to-medium enterprises in the fields of systems
integration and engineering, project management, integrated logistics,
ship installation and in-service support.
Senator Johnston said Selex was selected through an open tender process
for this significant ANZAC upgrade program with the first upgraded ship
planned to enter service in 2018. |