Boeing to deliver upgraded RAN communications system

Defence will upgrade  communication systems on Royal Australian Navy ships under the $200 million Project SEA1442 Ph.5 program with Brisbane-based Boeing Defence Australia. Brisbane will be the main hub for design and development work for this project which extends Boeing’s network and communications technology into the maritime domain.

The contract will deliver a state-of-the-art secure and interoperable communications system, known as the Maritime Warfighter Network, and will provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a single integrated communications network, says Defence in a statement.

Installation on the first ship is anticipated to be completed in the first quarter of 2027, with all eight ships covered by the contract expected to be completed by mid-2029.

“These upgrades enhance Navy’s ability to conduct operational tasks, such as surveillance and multi-domain strike,” said Pat Conroy, Minister for defence Industry and Capability Delivery.

Boeing Defence Australia’s (BDA) Maritime Warfighter Network is a resilient, interoperable communications system that will seamlessly connect ships and other joint and coalition assets without the constraint of routing all communication paths back to Australia, the company says. 

“Automation will provide Navy with the ability to easily use various communication transmission devices, reducing operator workload and enhancing operational effectiveness when deployed at sea,” said Murray Brabrook, BDA Joint Systems director. 

Once delivered, Navy’s Maritime Warfighter Network will provide the ADF with a single network to connect the Integrated Force, he added. “We look forward to delivering Navy a low-risk, secure networking system for their deployed assets, as we have done for the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force through the Integrated Battlefield Telecommunications Network (IBTN).”

Project partner BMT will leverage its capabilities in managing system integration across the maritime domain.

“Having supported similar projects across the Australian naval fleet, we are experts at integrating complex systems into maritime platforms that will stand up to the rigours of sea deployment,” said Graeme Nayler, regional business director APAC for BMT’s Melbourne-based Australian arm.

BDA has one of the largest military communications-focused engineering workforces in Australia. In 2022 Boeing Defence Australia delivered the Currawong Battlespace Communications System, which includes all of the technology and hardware needed to provide secure communications service for deployed ADF units.