Australian Defence Forces evolve their Command and Control system for Joint Operations

News Report

As illustrated in a recent official media release from Australian DoD, Australian Defence Forces (ADF) have undertaken a $60 million modernization program aiming at increasing the ability of the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) in Bungendore to plan and execute complex operations.

Whithin this program, two contracts have been awarded to Lockheed Martin Australia and Computer Sciences Corporation Australia as part of Joint Project 2030 Phase 8 (JP2030 Phase 8), Joint Command Support Environment (JCSE). Specifically, Computer Sciences Corporation has secured the JCSE System Integrator contract and Lockheed Martin Australia was awarded the JCSE Development Organisation contract.

The Context

The Joint Command Support Environment is evolving from the development and integration of several new and existing command support systems including the Joint Command Support System, Maritime Command Support System, Air Command Support System, Special Operations Command Support System and the Battlefield Command Support System (part of Project LAND 75). Previous Phases 1 to 6 (concluded) delivered a ‘core’ command support system to support the planning and conduct of joint operations. This system was delivered to strategic, operational and tactical level headquarters as well as selected ADF units. Phase 7 (in progress) is providing further roll-out and enhancement of the Joint and Air Command Support Systems.

JP2030 Phase 8 takes forward the cohesive and integrated Joint Command Support Environment (JCSE) at HQJOC, which coordinates major Defence operations on land, air and sea. The program is being implemented in three separate sub-phases called Evolutions that will incrementally deliver capability elements.

Evolution 1 was approved by Australian Government in June 2009 and provided for the accelerated acquisition of the Joint Planning Suite (JPS) and Joint Operations Portal (JOP) capability.

Evolution 2 was approved by Australian Government in September 2011 and will enhance the JPS and JOP capabilities implemented in Evolution 1 and add additional capability elements to the Joint Command Support Environment. These additional capabilities are in the areas of Situational Awareness-Common Operating Picture, Preparedness and a Special Operations Combat Net Radio Interface. Contracts for Evolution 2 have been signed on early March 2012.

Evolution 3 is being planned for Government Approval in late 2014.

Comments

Australian Minister for Defence Materiel, Senator Kim Carr, said acquiring this cutting-edge technology would significantly improve the ADF’s ability to plan and conduct joint operations. “This new technology will make planning operations more efficient and effective and increase the speed of decision making,” Senator Carr said. “I am pleased that these companies were judged best to further develop the command and control system. This demonstrates the capability of the Australian Defence industry,” Senator Carr said. “I am committed to working with industry to build and sustain these capabilities, which are so important for our national security.”

References: Australian Department of Defence (1,2)