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Frequentis C4i has been engaged for over eight months to supply state-of-the-art multi-domain communication systems for the Australian Defence Force’s next-generation AIR 6500 Joint Air Battle Management System.
The collaboration with Lockheed Martin Australia marks a significant step forward, building on the success of earlier capability demonstrations.
Under the current contract, the company is developing sovereign voice communication systems complete with an intuitive human machine interface that seamlessly integrates into Joint Air Battle Management C2 networks.
A specialised team of 15 engineers based at the Melbourne technology lab is tasked with designing, building and testing these innovative systems.
The AIR 6500 initiative is a cornerstone of the ADF’s national security strategy, enhancing operational effectiveness across air, land, sea, cyber and space. Frequentis C4i’s cutting-edge technology is set to form the backbone of this strategic effort, ensuring secure, real-time communications vital for joint military operations.
“By incorporating our advanced hardware and software, we are significantly bolstering the military’s ability to communicate securely and efficiently across all domains. This is crucial for a rapid response to emerging threats, especially under challenging conditions,” said Darren Gardner, managing director at Frequentis C4i.
Lockheed Martin Australia has also highlighted the role of the collaboration in showcasing Australia’s next-generation air battle management capabilities on the world stage, positioning C4i’s technology as integral to international defence projects.
“As an Australian SME, we’re proud to contribute to a major national defence program, which has also enabled us to expand our team by recruiting additional highly skilled engineers,” Gardner added.
This partnership not only strengthens Australia’s defence network but also paves the way for future export opportunities, allowing Frequentis C4i to engage in global defence projects. Lockheed Martin Australia is drawing on the best of local industry to deliver AIR 6500, a program with access to an international integrated air and missile defence market estimated at AU$83 billion.
“We are thrilled to partner with C4i to integrate these innovative voice communication technologies into AIR 6500,” said Rob Milligan, program director for AIR 6500 at Lockheed Martin Australia. “C4i’s robust and secure solutions, proven across over 40 countries, will significantly enhance the ADF’s operational readiness in high-pressure scenarios.”
The scalable and swiftly deployable systems from Frequentis C4i will further solidify key military alliances, ensuring that joint operations benefit from seamless coordination. This mobile solution empowers defence personnel to quickly establish joint operational centres, providing a resilient communication infrastructure essential for coordinated responses in complex environments.
