Lockheed Martin to deliver Defence satellite communication system

Defence has announced Lockheed Martin Australia as the preferred tenderer to deliver on a new Australian Defence satellite communication system, through Joint Project 9102 Phase 1.

Lockheed Martin Australia will progress to the next stage of the Defence procurement process, which includes engaging in collaborative tender clarification and improvement activities.

Head of Air Defence and Space Systems Division, Air Vice-Marshal David Scheul, said the multi-billion dollar project would deliver Australia’s first sovereign-controlled satellite communication system over the Indo-Pacific ocean regions. 

“Currently across Defence there is up to 89 capabilities which depend on satellite communications,” Air Vice-Marshal Scheul said.

“Once delivered, the new system will increase the resilience, agility and flexibility of Defence’s military satellite capability.”

The new satellite communication system will include:

• New Defence controlled and operated geo-stationary communications satellites
• Multiple ground stations across Australia
• Integrated Satellite Communications Management System
• Two new satellite communications operations centres

Defence looks forward to working with Lockheed Martin Australia to deliver this important capability to our defence force.