Northrop Grumman has selected ViaSat to deliver its next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) network to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
ViaSat was selected as part of a contract awarded by ADF's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group to Northrop Grumman Australia in May 2017.
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It is tasked with providing ground stations and dual-band Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite earth terminals to ADF, as part of the Joint Project 2008 Phase 5B2 Satellite Ground Station – East Facilities Project.
The project seeks to deploy an integrated wideband SATCOM system for the ADF.
As part of the 5B2 project, Northrop and ViaSat will work together to deliver a satellite ground station at the Kapooka Military Area in New South Wales, as well as a wideband SATCOM network management system to support home station and deployed forces.
Northrop Grumman Australia chief executive Ian Irving said: "In working with ViaSat and others on the 5B2 Program, we will provide the ADF a comprehensive, mature, proven solution for taking full advantage of Australia's investment in the WGS system with expandability to meet future needs.”
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By GlobalDataViaSat has been delivering SATCOM equipment globally, to customers in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia.
It recently delivered a number of complete ground stations for Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) programme.
ViaSat Australia Government and Defence general manager Colin Cooper said: "Since 2012, ViaSat has been working as the prime contractor for the NBN satellite service ground system, which is a very similar system to that required by the ADF.
"We have significant experience delivering large-scale satellite ground stations in remote regions of Australia. Our long history of operations in Australia also allows ViaSat to provide technical support, in-country spares and logistics, training, operations support, help desk services and maintenance over the life of the programme."
The WGS constellation is claimed to be a key military asset providing Australia, the US, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and New Zealand with reliable and secure communications services worldwide 24/7.
