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The pair have entered into a teaming agreement to deliver the ADF’s next-generation military satellite communications system.
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Lockheed Martin Australia has announced that the Shoal Group has agreed to partner with the Lockheed led consortium for Defence’s JP 9102 bid, drawing upon their joint expertise to deliver next-generation military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) capabilities for the Australian Defence Force.
The teaming agreement is expected to leverage Shoal’s expertise in model-based systems engineering, alongside Lockheed Martin Australia’ pedigree in space, to develop the MILSATCOM system.
According to a release from the prime, the Adelaide-based Shoal Group will collaborate “throughout each stage of the project” – with space now a Sovereign Industrial Capability Priority.
David Ball, space regional director at Lockheed Martin Australia, explained that the core capabilities of both organisations will build a more robust product for the program.
“As a sovereign capability partner on various Defence programs, Lockheed Martin Australia has long recognised that Shoal Group punches above its weight in the complex world of model-based system engineering,” Ball said.
“This teaming agreement combines Shoal Group’s expertise and Lockheed Martin Australia’s optimal solution for a resilient, operationally superior military satellite system.
“The multi-award-winning team at Shoal Group brings unmatched expertise in the use of digital design tools and analytics that will support us in minimising risks and maximising schedule assurance. This teaming builds on Lockheed Martin’s proven record of superior military satellite communications solutions and will ensure the development of a sovereign MILSATCOM system that will be defined by its resilience and operational superiority.”
Since the research into risk mitigation began in 2020, the Lockheed Martin Australia bid has expanded into defining capability, proposal development, systems design, integration and supply chain management needs. As part of the partnership, Shoal is expected to provide capability enhancement in systems engineering modelling and management, project reviews and analysis.
Shaun Wilson, founder and head of business development for Shoal Group, explained that the companies possess complementary capabilities that will enhance the development of the JP 9102 system.
“Our partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia reflects the trust, respect and complementary skillsets needed on a project of this scale and importance. It builds on a legacy of successful multi-domain cooperation in everything from undersea warfare to Integrated Air and Missile Defence and now space-based communications,” Wilson said.
“Shoal Group specialises in engineering solutions for complex systems and by partnering with Lockheed Martin Australia in the delivery of a ‘world’s best’ sovereign satellite communications system we see the exponential potential for our business in terms of space systems capability development and long-term growth.”
The announcement comes after Clearbox Systems agreed to join the consortium.
[Related: Clearbox Systems joins Lockheed Martin Australia push for JP 9102]
