The Australian Government has revealed plans to procure short-range air defence (SHORAD) capability to enhance troop safety.
The new air defence capability will feature locally designed radars and be mounted on to vehicles.
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Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said: “This new air defence capability combines world-leading Australian radar technology with a highly effective air defence system that will contribute to the protection of our service men and women from modern airborne threats.
“The capability will be based on the Raytheon / Kongsberg National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS), which is used by several countries, including the United States.
“Australia’s version of NASAMS will use advanced radars designed and manufactured by Canberra-based company CEA Technologies.”
The $2.5bn air and missile defence system project will eventually replace the Australian Army’s currently used RBS-70 man-portable air defence system.
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By GlobalDataNASAMS was selected for the Australian Government’s SHORAD programme, known as LAND 19 Phase 7B programme.
Pyne added: “The CEA radar that has been so successful on our ships will now be integrated into an Australian designed and built vehicle, the Thales Hawkei.
“I’m delighted to announce that one of Australia’s most innovative technologies will be used to further enhance the effectiveness of NASAMS and contribute to one of the world’s best short-range ground-based air defence systems.”
According to Australian Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds, the acquisition and maintenance of the new capability will create more than 100 employment opportunities.
Reynolds noted that over $1bn of the total investment will be secured by the Australian industry.
Defence company Raytheon is investing $50m for the development of a new Australian Centre for Joint Integration at Mawson Lakes in Adelaide, Australia.
