High frequency communications
Designing and delivering reliable, locally supported and adaptable communication solutions for the defence sector.
Operating and enhancing Australia’s Defence High Frequency Communications System
The Defence High Frequency Communications System (DHFCS) is an Australian sovereign capability that provides long range secure and non-secure tactical and voice communications. It is a cost-effective, highly survivable capability that is the only alternative when satellite communications are not available or have been disabled.
Under Babcock’s JP9101 Acquisition Contract with the Australian Department of Defence, we are delivering the Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System (EDHFCS) together with our Australian Industry Partners Ebor, Lockheed Martin Australia, Ventia, CyberCX and Daronmont.
The JP9101 Program consists of three contracts: an acquisition contract, a support contract, and a legacy software support contract. The combined value is $877m, making it Babcock Australasia’s single largest-ever program to date.
Under the Support Contract, we are responsible for operating, managing, and maintaining the transmit and receive sites for the existing capability, as well as transitioning support for the enhanced capability. We are working with 71 SMEs around the country to help deliver the services.
Majority of staff supporting the contract are Adelaide-based with further staff situated across regional centres including Exmouth, Wagga Wagga, Townsville, Darwin, as well as support facilities in Canberra.
At a glance:
- Defence High Frequency Communications System & Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System
- 4 x transmit and receive sites, 2 x operator sites
- 150 high-tech jobs across Australia
The EDHFCS provides effective, reliable and resilient communication in the modern threat environment.
The new system will provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and its allies with an enhanced communications capability with levels of reliability and operational resilience not seen before within this technology domain.
Through Babcock, our service men and women will have the ability to securely communicate using voice and data to almost anywhere on Earth.
At the heart of the solution is Babcock’s Intelligent Network and Serial Protocol Interface for Radio Equipment (INSPIRE), which provides a step-change in ease of upgrade and re-configuration that will ensure Australia’s EDHFCS will remain current and ready to support the ADF whenever and wherever it is needed.
World-leading, trusted provider of High Frequency communication technology
The JP9101 contract establishes Babcock as the largest provider of strategic High Frequency communications in the world with Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom Governments all selecting Babcock as their partner of choice in the engineering, operation and support of long range, resilient strategic High Frequency communications.
