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The C4 EDGE consortium, made up of 31 Australian SMEs, successfully executed a trial of their prototype mobile tactical communications system designed for use within the Australian Army.
C4 EDGE, a $35 million initiative that brought together 31 Australian SMEs, has been aligned with the Advanced Signal Processing and Information Warfare Sovereign Industrial Capability Priorities (SICPs) to develop a sovereign tactical communications industry in Australia.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price confirmed that the recent prototype demonstration by C4 EDGE illustrated that Australian SMEs have the expertise and knowledge to design, develop and manufacture Army-ready radio equipment within Australia.
“Critical defence capabilities, such as mobile tactical radio communication systems, will be designed and manufactured locally,” Minister Price said.
“This will greatly improve supply chain resilience.”
The prototype was trialled in the ACT’s Majura Range this week, with the demonstration simulating battlefield conditions to trial the new radio capabilities. The trial was followed by a static demonstration at Russell Offices.
“Stimulating growth in Australia’s defence communications industry capacity is a priority for the Morrison government,” Minister Price continued.
According to a release from Minister Price, C4 EDGE has enabled Army to better work alongside Australian industry for the development of sovereign communications capabilities.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, C4 EDGE was able to meet all necessary milestones for the project.
[Related: Insitec unveils new battlefield connectivity system]
