Northrop Grumman Australia has selected ViaSat as a key partner in the delivery of a next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) network to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Under a program known as Joint Project 2008 Phase 5B2, a large multiphase project to deploy an integrated wideband SATCOM system for the ADF, ViaSat will provide its proven ground stations and dual-band Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite earth terminals.
ViaSat has a long history of delivering SATCOM equipment globally, to customers in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Most recently, ViaSat delivered a number of complete ground stations for Australia's National Broadband Network (nbn) program. Specifically under the 5B2 Program, prime contractor Northrop Grumman will work with ViaSat to deliver a satellite ground station at Kapooka Military Area, Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and a wideband SATCOM network management system to support home station and deployed forces.
The WGS constellation is a vital military asset providing Australia, the United States, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and New Zealand with reliable and secure communications services worldwide 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
The ADF's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group awarded the contract to Northrop Grumman Australia in May 2017.
