The Australian army is planning the acquisition of a force-level Early Warning system that includes an attack component will be undertaken under Tranche 2 of Australia’s LAND 555 Phase 6 program starting this year, Dylan Nicholson reports on Defence Connect.
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Thales Bushmaster fitted with EW device (Picture source: Australian army)

The new Early Warning systems will be fitted to Thales Bushmaster 4x4 armored vehicles and will be interoperable with EW systems acquired by the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Australian Navy and other members of the five eyes community. A contract is expected to be in 2021, with delivery completed by 2023. Tranche 2 secured first pass approval in 2018 with the release of an invitation to tender.

The EW system will include electronic attack capable of jamming techniques, electronic support for detection, and C2 for networking and communication at the tactical, operational and strategic levels, and with battle management capabilities.

Under Tranche 1, the construction of facilities to support 72 EW Squadron, part of the Army’s 7th Signals Regiment at Borneo Barracks in Queensland, are due to commence in July for completion by year’s end. It will procure an additional six army EW systems beyond those purchased under the earlier LAND 500 Phase 1 contract. The new systems procured under Tranche 1 are required to be suitable for fitment to the Protected Mobility Electronic Platform variant Bushmaster, a trailer, or other in-service protected mobility options.