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Australian defence technology company Kord Group has signed a US$7 million contract to provide its remote technology to the US Army.
Under the (AU$11m) Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract, Kord will equip American soldiers with their RACU System (Rifle Accessory Control Unit), which acts as a centralised point of control for all weapon-mounted and body-worn electronic devices. The contract was signed on February 12 at Capitol Hill.
The remote technology is expected to significantly benefit soldier performance, lethality and situational awareness, according to Dr Peter Moran, Group Managing Director at Kord.
“Think of it as a simple, common remote for the soldier, which gives them quick, easy and intuitive control,” he said.
“It’s a force multiplier, simple to learn, and rugged. It allows soldiers to keep head up, eyes on target and hands on weapon.”
Moran has previously confirmed that their weapon-mounted RACU Commander System is programmable and compatible with all weapon-mounted and body-worn electronic devices, including radios, a torch, laser and other electronic equipment without removing hands from the rifle.
The Australian domestic technology has been developed and tested over years by the Australian Army and US Marine Corps and is expected to advance critical defence goals under the AUKUS agreement - according to Kord.
In addition, the company has previously supplied the special operations soldiers of the Ukrainian military with the systems, under an Australian Government military assistance package last year.
“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 EDITS Program, is valued at up to US$7 million
The program 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 (National Defense Authorization Act 2019-2023); authorized US$20m in 2023 for operational evaluation, US$5m appropriated in 2024 budget (House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee).
