Defence awards KBR $133 million sustainment contract for ADF air operations

Defence has awarded US-headquartered engineering company KBR up to $133.6 million over five years to support Defence’s Air and Space Operations – Command and Control System (ASO-C2CS). The sustainment contract with KBR’s Adelaide-based subsidiary will deliver critical integration enhancements to the ASO-C2CS, which allows ADF personnel to plan and conduct air operations.

The ASO-C2CS comprises three core elements which KBR will support – Mission Planning Systems, Air Resource and Scheduling and Electronic Flight Bag. Together, these systems provide critical decision-making information for complex airborne missions to be efficiently planned and executed, says KBR.

The company will provide technical and operational support for the software and hardware systems to deliver a whole-of-Defence Air and Space Operations Command and Control capability in contract that started on 1 August 2025.

“KBR has for more than two decades, supported the development, delivery and evolution of critical data-centric technologies that provide commanders with real-time situational awareness, enabling informed decision making,” said Nic Maan, KBR Australia Defence and Security Solutions.

“The 2024 Defence Strategic Review highlighted the need to streamline delivery processes to achieve minimum viable product,” said Colonel Darren Moore, Defence’s Acting Assistant Secretary Joint C4 Systems. “This contract highlights the Australian Government’s commitment to providing the Australian Defence Force with the superior capabilities it needs to maintain operational advantage over potential adversaries.

“Capabilities such as the ASO-C2CS will help the Australian Defence Force support aviation assets against threats to Australia and our national interests.”

The contract focusses on an electronic information management system, which enables superior decision-making and force integration, by providing critical information in complex airborne missions, says the Defence statement. It consolidates existing sustainment activities for the ASO-C2CS, streamlining Australia’s ability to govern, assure and expedite the delivery of this critical capability.

Defence’s diverse and specialised aviation workforce across Navy, Army and Air Force will directly benefit from the ASO-C2CS systems and the enhanced, timely and accurate delivery of mission-critical information, says Defence.