THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Monday, 15 March 2010
030/2010
New command, control and comms system
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today
announced that a contract has been signed with Elbit Systems Limited (Elbit)
to provide the next generation of command, control and communications
capability to elements of the Army, Special Operations Command and the Air
Force’s Combat Support Group.
“The introduction of this new capability which will increase the ADF’s battle
space awareness, automate combat messaging and assist in the successful
conduct of operations,” Mr Combet said.
“Importantly, this capability will significantly reduce the possible risk of
casualties resulting from friendly fire.
“The contract is valued at $349 million with significant components of work to
be undertaken in Australia.
“Systems integration testing will be performed in Melbourne, while vehicle
integration into over 1000 Army vehicles will occur in Brisbane.
“The contract will also provide electronic battle management technology to
over 1500 soldiers.
“The Battle Group And Below Command, Control And Communications
System (BGC3) will assist Army in achieving the Defence network centric
warfare milestone of a networked brigade in 2012, with state-of-the-art battle
management and terrestrial communications systems.
“It will also support the Royal Australian Air Force to reach longer-term
milestones of a networked combat support force by 2016.
“These high-priority acquisitions will assure improved protection and
coordination for Australian Defence Force personnel, allowing missions to be
carried out more efficiently, safely and effectively,” Mr Combet said.
Elbit is a leading supplier of tactical Battle Management Systems and was
selected by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) as the result of a world-
wide open tender.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
