The prime has thrown its hat in the race to provide the Royal Australian Navy with next-generation maritime communications capabilities.
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Leonardo Australia has announced it has entered into an internal agreement with the Leonardo Global Group, aimed at securing the contract for the Royal Australian Navy’s SEA 1442 Phase 5 – Maritime Communications Modernisation (MCM) project.
SEA 1442 Phase 5, which is a long-term program designed to deliver an enhanced communications capability to selected platforms within the RAN, has been identified as the leading program for future integrated communications within the Australian maritime environment.
The program seeks to ensure warfighters receive an assured communications capability via a mission system capable of supporting current and future information exchange demands, while also ensuring it is interoperable with joint, coalition and allied systems.
As part of its internal agreement, Leonardo plans to leverage experience supporting the SEA 1442 Phase 4 program, which includes ongoing upgrades to the Anzac Class frigates.
Leonardo said continued service through Phase 5 would provide the RAN with “surety of execution”.
The Leonardo Global Group has also committed to leveraging its domestic and international networks and supply chains, while contributing to SIC and AIC by engaging with industry stakeholders.
Leonardo Global Group has invited stakeholders to join its SEA 1442 Phase 5 supply chain via the ICN led Industry Engagement process, scheduled to commence in the coming weeks.
“The Leonardo Global Group led by Leonardo Australia make for a formidable team when it comes to defence electronics,” Michael Lenton, Leonardo Australia’s executive chairman, said.
“It is a natural fit for the upgrade and modernisation of the RAN’s communications. The Leonardo Global Group of companies have proven themselves in terms of engineering, supply, and installation on the current Phase 4 of the SEA 1442 program.
“The fleet of Anzac frigates is well on its way to full operational capability, so it makes real sense to strengthen an already winning streak for SEA 1442 Phase 5 of the program for the modernisation of much of Navy’s current strategic assets.”
[Related: Leonardo Australia teams up with ATTAR]