Rohde & Schwarz Australia has been awarded a significant contract to supply advanced communications technology for the Royal Australian Navy's new Hunter class frigates. The company will integrate its cutting-edge NAVICS communications system into the first three ships of the class, under an agreement with BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA).
The Hunter class frigates, the Australian variant of the Global Combat Ship designed by BAE Systems, will benefit from NAVICS as the core of their communications infrastructure. This system is renowned for its ability to manage both internal and external communications, as well as process classified information within a secure, multi-level environment.
Rohde & Schwarz has been a prominent player in Australia's defense sector for over 40 years, establishing a robust integrated communications system (ICS) and service capability within the country. The company’s local workforce has already doubled to meet the demands of this contract and is expected to grow further as the Hunter program progresses. The collaboration with BAESMA will also involve significant contributions from Australian industry in the manufacture, integration, testing, and commissioning of the ICS.
Gareth Evans, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Australia, emphasized that this contract is a testament to the strong collaborative relationship between Rohde & Schwarz, BAESMA, and the Australian government. He highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation and its role as a trusted partner in Australia’s defense industry, particularly in supporting the nation’s Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment initiative.
Craig Lockhart, Managing Director of BAESMA, echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence in the partnership with Rohde & Schwarz to deliver world-class anti-submarine warfare capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy. He stressed the importance of equipping the Navy with the tools it needs to maintain superiority at sea.
Wolfgang Marchl, Vice President of R&D Technology Systems at Rohde & Schwarz, added that the NAVICS system's selection reaffirms the company’s ability to support large naval programs throughout their lifecycle. He also noted the close collaboration between the company's headquarters in Germany, its UK operations, and the Australian team, positioning Rohde & Schwarz as a key player in future naval projects between the UK and Australia.
Rohde & Schwarz is committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with the Australian government, aiming to support the local integration, adaptation, and evolution of defense capabilities, as well as providing services for testing, evaluation, and systems assurance.
Click here for more information on Rohde & Schwarz's NAVICS.
