Frequentis business C4i has received a contract from Lockheed Martin Australia to deliver multi-domain communication systems for the Australian Defence Force’s next-generation AIR6500 Joint Air Battle Management System.
Throughout the contract’s eight-month performance period, the two companies will work to produce a sovereign voice communication system with a human-machine interface that could connect to Joint Air Battlement Management C2 networks. C4i’s 15 engineers will lead the design, building and test efforts of the project from a facility in Melbourne, Victoria.
“By integrating our advanced hardware and software solutions, we are enhancing the ability of the military to communicate securely and effectively across all domains,” said Darren Gardner, managing director for C4i at Frequentis.
Designed to improve Australia’s defense capabilities, Lockheed Martin’s AIR6500 is a joint “system-of-systems” that combines disparate ADF systems and platforms under a single platform to synchronize air and missile operations and enhance situational awareness.
According to Rob Milligan, program director for AIR6500 at Lockheed Martin Australia, his team welcomes C4i’s innovative voice communication technologies contribution to the battle management technology. “This partner integration will enhance the ADF’s ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations,” he added.
Besides C4i, several other vendors are working on Australia’s joint battle system. In July 2024, Silentium Defence delivered the initial batch of passive radar systems for the AIR6500. According to Lockheed, the radars will provide advanced 3D capability, providing warfighters with wide-field-of-view surveillance and target tracking capabilities.