Kord Group wins US Army contract

Canberra-based defence technology company Kord Group has won an $11 million Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract from Booz Allen Hamilton to provide an advanced version of its core Rifle Input Control technology to the US Army. 

The company’s Rifle Accessory Control Unit (RACU) System Technology equips soldiers with a centralised point of control for all their weapon-mounted and body-worn electronic devices, says Kord Group. The groundbreaking technology significantly benefits soldier performance, lethality and situational awareness, it adds. 

“Think of it as a simple, common remote for the soldier, which gives them quick, easy and intuitive control,” said Dr Peter Moran, Group Managing Director at Kord. “It’s a force multiplier, simple to learn, and rugged. It allows soldiers to keep head up, eyes on target and hands on weapon.”

The technology has been developed and tested over many years by the Australian Army and US Marine Corps and advances critical defence goals under the AUKUS agreement.

“This is more than just about securing a technology contract,” says Dr Moran. “It’s a wonderful example of the collaboration between Australia and the US across militaries, innovation and industry for the benefit of both countries. We’re proud to advance our AUKUS agreement goals and continue to strengthen the relationship between our two countries.”

The contract, awarded by Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) as part of the US$919 million Engineering, Development, Integration and Technology based Solutions (EDITS) Program, is valued at up to US$7 million (AU$11 million). EDITS is designed to enable the Soldier as a System concept and continuously enhance the warfighter’s ability in all climatic conditions and combat situations. It provides warfighter solutions to a number of US Army agencies including PEO Soldier. Kord will supply its RACU System Technology for evaluation by the US Army as the Common Remote for the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW). 

Kord has a long-standing relationship with the United States Congress and Defense Force, including support for rapid procurement under the National Defense Authorization Act 2019-2023; this authorized US$20 million in 2023 for operational evaluation.