The Australian Government has purchased deployable Air Traffic Management and Control Systems for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Defence Minister Senator David Johnston today said the new systems would enable the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to use radar to control aircraft and manage airspace for missions within Australia and overseas.
“This acquisition will assist the ADF in managing airspace during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, as well as deployed combat operations, either independently or integrated with our allies,” Senator Johnston said.
The contract to supply the two rapidly deployable and one larger Air Traffic Management and Control Systems is valued at more than $50 million, and has been awarded to Indra Australia.
Senator Johnston said the contract would provide significant employment opportunities for Australian industry during the integration and through-life support phases of the project.
“Recent global events have seen Australia’s air capabilities come to the fore to assist our friends and allies, with the search for MH370, Operation Bring Them Home and in support of the international efforts in Iraq,” Senator Johnston said.
“These deployable air traffic control systems will enhance the RAAF’s future operations both overseas and domestically.”