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Five applicants have been selected to progress onto the next stage of SEA 129’s Phase 5 Block One.
Five applicants have been selected to advance onto the next stage of the Maritime Unmanned Aircraft System Continuous Development Program, SEA 129 Phase 5, Defence confirmed on Wednesday morning.
The applicants that have progressed to Block One of SEA 129’s Phase 5 are: BAE Systems Australia, Insitu Pacific, Northrop Grumman Australia, Raytheon Australia and Textron Systems Australia. Block One is the first five-year phase over the course of SEA 129’s 30-year lifespan.
Acting Minister for Defence Marise Payne welcomed the continued progress of the program.
“This program will acquire maritime unmanned intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting aircraft systems which will complement current sensors and systems on Navy’s ships, while boosting a ship’s area of surveillance,” Minister Payne said.
“Today’s milestone is a result of the Morrison government’s unprecedented $270 billion investment in defence capability over the next decade, which is equipping the Australian Defence Force with world-class, cutting-edge capability.”
This was further welcomed by Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price.
“By incorporating new technology through block upgrades every five years, the program supports the development of Australia’s unmanned aircraft system industry, and provides the Navy with a leading-edge maritime surveillance capability,” Minister Price said.
“This process will allow Australian businesses to be directly involved in providing greater situational awareness for the Fleet, in particular the new Arafura offshore patrol vessels, while strengthening long-term job growth and security.”
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