Northrop Grumman, ViaSat To Deliver Satellite Communications For Aussie Defence Force

Northrop Grumman has selected Australia’s ViaSat as a key partner to deliver a next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) network to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Under a program known as Joint Project 2008 Phase 5B2, a large multiphase project to deploy an integrated wideband SATCOM system for the ADF, ViaSat will provide its ground stations and dual-band Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite earth terminals, ViaSat announced Wednesday.

ViaSat has a long history of delivering SATCOM equipment globally, to customers in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. Most recently, ViaSat delivered a number of complete ground stations for Australia's National Broadband Network program.

Specifically under the 5B2 Program, prime contractor Northrop Grumman will work with ViaSat to deliver a satellite ground station at Kapooka Military Area, Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and a wideband SATCOM network management system to support home station and deployed forces.

"Since 2012, ViaSat has been working as the prime contractor for the nbn satellite service ground system, which is a very similar system to that required by the ADF," said Colin Cooper, general manager, Government and Defence, ViaSat Australia.

"We have significant experience delivering large-scale satellite ground stations in remote regions of Australia. Our long history of operations in Australia also allows ViaSat to provide technical support, in-country spares and logistics, training, operations support, help desk services and maintenance over the life of the program."

"In working with ViaSat and others on the 5B2 Program, we will provide  the ADF  a comprehensive solution for taking full advantage of Australia's investment in the WGS system with expandability to meet future needs," said Ian Irving, chief executive, Northrop Grumman Australia.

The WGS constellation is a vital military asset providing Australia, the United States, Canada, Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and New Zealand with reliable and secure communications services worldwide 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The ADF's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group awarded the contract to Northrop Grumman Australia in May 2017.