defence week
DEFENCE WEEK NEWSPREMIUM EDITION
IN THIS ISSUE $360m Romeo upgrades to stay in sync with US���������������������������������������������������������1
ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS
DEFENCE WEEK
Hunter at vanguard of NSW defence stimulus�������������������������������������������������������2 UTC/Rockwell Collins merger set to shake up aerospace supply chain�����������������������4 Enhanced SM-6 adds terminal phase BMD to repertoire���������������������������������������5 Team Reaper expands AIC for Air 7003���6
The RAN received the last MH-60R Romeo Seahawk in September 2016; one of the 24 delivered is seen here testing the new Airborne Low Frequency Sensor (ALFS) system or dipping sonar.
CONTACT DETAILS EDITOR Katherine Ziesing T: 0419 014 308 [email protected] ONLINE EDITOR Patrick Durrant T: 02 9213 8249 [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Nigel Pittaway M: 0418596131 [email protected] PUBLISHER Judy Hinz T: 07 3348 6966 [email protected] STUDIO MANAGER Lauren Esdaile [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS Martin Phillpott Toll Free 1800 807 760 [email protected] PUBLISHED BY Yaffa Media Pty Ltd 17-21 Bellevue St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 T: 02 9281 2333 www.greatmagazines.com.au ADM CANBERRA OFFICE Tel 02 6203 9535 PO Box 4783, Kingston ACT 2604 ADM BRISBANE OFFICE T: 07 3348 6966 PO Box 9165, Wynnum Plaza Qld 4178 www.australiandefence.com.au
SUBSCRIPTIONS GREATMAGAZINES.COM.AU CALL 1800 807 760 EMAIL [email protected] Copyright © 2017
All material appearing in ADM is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without permission in writing from the publisher. The publishers accept sole responsibility for the contents of this publication, which may in no way be taken to represent the views of the Department of Defence, the Australian Defence Force or any other agency of the Commonwealth of Australia.
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$360m Romeo upgrades to stay in sync with US Patrick Durrant & Nigel Pittaway | Sydney & Melbourne Australia has been approved by the US State Department for a $360 million upgrade program for the 24 recently delivered MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’ helicopters nearing full operational capability with the RAN. ADM understands that in order to keep in line with the US spiral development program for the platform, the Commonwealth has requested the 10-year program for upgrades including associated training devices, parts, serivces and logistic and program support. The prime user of the platform (the US Navy) is committed to a long-term preplanned product improvement program, also known as P3I, to keep the MH-60R current throughout its life. Recent upgrades have included vital software and mission management systems in the Situational Awareness Technology Insertion (SATI) package as well as design upgrades to the Identification Friend-or-Foe Interrogator Subsystem. Combined with the aircraft’s Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination system, the MH-60R’s range of detection will expand – enhancing situational awareness and advanced threat detection – while interference with civil air traffic control systems will diminish. The MH-60R Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) system, which provides aircrew with valuable threat-warning capabilities, has benefited from the installation and maintenance of an ESM autoloader, and the development of Mission Data Loads, which comprise a www.australiandefence.com.au | Defence Week Premium | 07 September 2017 | ISSUE 461 | 1
© DEFENCE
Forthcoming Events�����������������������������������8
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“The prime user of the platform is committed to a long-term preplanned product improvement program.”
ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS database of possible threats within a specific region of operations. Smaller elements are included as well, including the integration of a new multi-function radio called the ARC210 Gen 5, crucial spare assemblies and integration of other core technologies. The Gen 5 radio will provide MH-60R aircrew with flexible and secure communication. The proposed upgrades will provide Australia the resources necessary to properly maintain its multi-mission helicopters through Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky, which would act as the principal contractor under the proposed program. For more on the Romeo’s introduction into RAN service see deputy editor-at-large Nigel Pittaway’s story in the forthcoming October edition of ADM.
Hunter at vanguard of NSW defence stimulus Katherine Ziesing | Newcastle
© DEFENCE
A Hornet flys over RAAF Base Williamtown in the Hunter region.
HunterNet Defence, based in Newcastle, hosts one of the largest regional defence conferences in the land, and it recently attracted 120 delegates to get an update of the state of the nation when it comes to the Defence community. With a speakers list that encompasses uniforms, politics and industry, it provides an excellent forum for collaboration and information sharing outside the usual capital city environment. T he NS W Government ’s Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC said the region’s defence and related industry is on the cusp of something special. “The new Defence Research and Innovation Hub at Williamtown Aerospace Centre will be an exciting addition to the region, helping drive more innovative projects and growth in the sector including for start-up businesses,” MacDonald said. “The Hunter embodies NSW’s strength in defence force sustainment with Williamtown home to fast-jet maintenance, and now the renewed potential for naval sustainment in Newcastle when the
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“The Hunter embodies NSW’s strength in defence force sustainment.”
MOST READ ONLINE www.australiandefence.com.au 1. Biggest Navy task group in 30 years heads up top 2. Naval Group promises visible movement on future subs 3. Austal opens Adelaide OPV base 4. BAE Systems appoints Australian and ex-army officer as local CEO 5. Some home truths about LVC
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ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS Carrington slipway reopens at the Port.” The new Defence NSW team headed by Commodore (Retd) Peter Scott was also on deck, with CDRE Scott outlining the role of his new team in leading the collaboration charge at the behest of the state government. Air Vice Marshal Mel Hupfield, head of Force Design, provided an update on the various policy changes that are filtering through the Defence organisation and their flow on effects for Defence industry. The previous thin veneer of joint capability acquisition that permeated Defence is a thing of the past with the changes the First Principles Review (FPR) is bringing into effect. AVM Hupfield outlined the changes in policy as they related to Smart Buyer, the new Capability Life Cycle (which were merged in March this year), and detailed what information the department is looking to release to industry at an unclassified level to help them support one another. “These activities are a collection of commonsense approaches that have become more disciplined and therefore more repeatable,” AVM Hupfield said in regard to the change in procurement processes as ”Force Design is not a set and forget function”. Squadron Leader Nathan Draper provided an update on JSF sustainment plans; as the first Australian maintenance engineer posted to the US, he is now training the next cadre of maintainers at RAAF Williamtown as the base ramps up to receive the jets at the end of next year. “There are over 300,000 parts on a JSF from 1,500 suppliers globally,” SQNLDR Draper explained. “That’s a lot of opportunities across the Life of Type.” On the collaboration front, KPMG’s Mike Kalms provided some metrics into how the Defence community performs. In short, not great, according to their survey and research, commissioned by the Centre for Defence Industry Capability last year. The resulting report Defence Capability Collaboration (available on their website – a highly recommended read) found that while most companies thought they were good at collaboration, they rated their partners as less good at it. And this is how every participant responded! Speaking on DST Group’s partnering program expansion over the past 12 months, Dr Mark Petrusma said the organisation had signed $35 million worth of partnering agreements under 348 different guises. Dispensations under the Next Generation Technology Fund saw $15.7 million distributed to 23 universities under 59 projects from a field of 428 applications from 31 universities. The University Research Network framework is also kicking goals with numerous universities signing up to a range of research disciplines. “The Next Generation Technology Fund is the big R and little d of Research and Development,” Dr Petrusma explained. “The Innovation Hub is the little r and the big D. There is no clear delineation between the two per se, as R&D operates on a continuum.” For more detailed coverage of the event, look out for the October edition of ADM. www.australiandefence.com.au | Defence Week Premium | 07 September 2017 | ISSUE 461 | 3
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© ROCKWELL COLLINS
UTC/Rockwell Collins merger set to shake up aerospace supply chain
The Rockwell Collins Australia-built optical assembly.
“Over the past 10 years we have focused on building capability in Australia to support the F-35.”
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After weeks of speculation, United Technologies Corp. (UTC) has agreed to purchase avionics contractor Rockwell Collins in an estimated $30 billion transaction in a move to establish a new Tier 1 aerospace systems supplier. Greg Hayes, UTC chairman and CEO, said the acquisition would add capabilities to UTC’s aerospace businesses and build up its complementary aerospace systems offerings. Kelly Ortberg, chairman, president and CEO of Rockwell Collins, will serve as CEO of the newly created business unit to be known as Collins Aerospace Systems while Dave Gitlin, president of UTC Aerospace Systems, will take over as president and chief operating officer of the business unit upon the deal’s completion. Boeing said in an emailed statement it was skeptical the deal “would be in the best interest of – or add value to – our customers and industry”. “Should we determine that this deal is inconsistent with those interests, we would intend to exercise our contractual rights and pursue the appropriate regulatory options to protect our interests.” ADM approached Rockwell Collins for comment but no reply was received prior to going to press. In addition to the production of optical assemblies (OAs) for the F-35 program, Rockwell Collins in Australia has also been successful in competing for maintenance work on the Australian F-35 and is planning to increase its footprint to include a manufacturing capability for critical test equipment that will be required by Australian and partner countries. In April the company produced its 100th OA for the F-35 electrooptic distributed aperture system (DAS). “Over the past 10 years we have focused on building capability in Australia to support the F-35. The skills and expertise we have built at our company’s operations in Australia have been integral to the local capability we have developed for the Australian Defence Force, such as the Army’s Digital Terminal Control System,” Nick Gibbs managing director for Rockwell Collins in Australia said in April. www.australiandefence.com.au | Defence Week Premium | 07 September 2017 | ISSUE 461 | 4
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Enhanced SM-6 adds terminal phase BMD to repertoire Patrick Durrant | Sydney A Raytheon Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) intercepted a mediumrange ballistic missile target at sea in its final seconds of flight, after being fired from the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones. During the test two SM-6 Dual I missiles were fired against the complex target that was launched off from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. The tri-capable SM-6 missile is known for its anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capabilities but the terminal phase intercept function is a recent enhancement. A medium-range ballistic missile target is launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii, during Flight Test Standard Missile-27 Event 2 on August 29.
© USN LATONJA MARTIN
“[Intercepts during the terminal phase] are the most difficult and least desirable.” “Earlier this year, our customer (the US Navy) requested an enhanced capability to deal with a sophisticated medium-range ballistic missile threat,” SM-6 senior program director Mike Campisi said. “We did all this – the analysis, coding and testing – in seven months; a process that normally takes one to two years.” This was the third time that the SM-6 missile successfully engaged a ballistic missile target in its terminal phase, with previous tests conducted in August 2015, and then again in late 2016. A statement from the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) described intercepts during the terminal phase as the most “difficult and the least desirable of the phases because there is little margin for error and the intercept will occur close to the intended target”. The other ADM ’s Defence Week Premium Edition This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.
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ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS BMD missile in the Raytheon stable, SM-3, differs from SM-6 in that it uses non-explosive ‘hit-to-kill’ technology that intercepts ballistic missile targets during the mid-course of their trajectory. The terminal phase capability in the SM-6 is a secondary function of the weapon that is designed primarily for traditional air and cruise missile threats used in concert with the Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-1D(V) radar and the Baseline 9 version of the Aegis Combat System, soon to be in service aboard the RAN’s new Hobart class guided missile destroyers. “We are working closely with the fleet to develop this important new capability, and this was a key milestone in giving our Aegis BMD ships an enhanced capability to defeat ballistic missiles in their terminal phase,” MDA director Lieutenant General Sam Greaves said. “We will continue developing ballistic missile defence technologies to stay ahead of the threat as it evolves.” For more on the potential for BMD in the RAN, see senior correspondent Julian Kerr’s story from our July edition of ADM.
Team Reaper expands AIC for Air 7003 Patrick Durrant | Sydney Manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA‑ASI) announced an expansion today of its team in the bid for Project Air 7003 (Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) capability). The so-called Team Reaper Australia, originally consisting of Cobham, CAE Australia, Raytheon, and Flight Data Systems, was
© ADM NIGEL PITTAWAY
An MQ-9 Reaper RPAS on display at the Avalon Airshow.
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“General Atomics recognises the importance of having a robust team of Australian industry partners to support the Air 7003 requirements.”
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ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS first announced at the Avalon Airshow this year. Membership has now increased to nine with the addition of TAE Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, Ultra Electronics Australia, Airspeed and Quickstep Holdings. “General Atomics recognises the importance of having a robust team of Australian industry partners to support the Air 7003 requirements,” CEO GA-ASI Linden Blue said. “We are strongly committed to partnerships with Australian industry and to providing a capable, affordable RPA system to the Australian Defence Force.” TAE Aerospace chief strategy officer Darren Hutchinson said he believed the project will provide substantial benefit to Australia’s local industry and showcase TAE’s innovative through-life support capabilities to the world.” Managing director Rockwell Collins Nick Gibbs, who is no doubt considering the fallout of the recent merger announcement with UTC, said, “joining Team Reaper Australia will solidify the work we’ve been doing with General Atomics to set the standards for UAS to access civil airspace”. Ultra Electronics will be supplying the UAS “with special-purpose sensors that are designed and manufactured in Australia”, according to marketing director Peter Weir. Managing director Airspeed Steve Barlow said his company would be offering its reconfigurable and proven airborne equipment pod to house payloads on the platform. Speaking for Australia’s largest independent, aerospace-grade, advanced composites manufacturer Quickstep, CEO Mark Burgess said the project fitted well with the company’s strategic direction, manufacturing capabilities and capacity availability, and added to Australia’s further development of sovereign capability. For more on Air 7003, read ADM editor Katherine Ziesing’s piece on rival bidder IAI with its Heron TP.
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Forthcoming Events Darwin RSL 100th Anniversary Date Location Website
from 13 September 2017 Darwin Darwin RSL events
The calendar of events includes a memorial church service at Christ Church Cathedral on 13 September, followed by a cocktail party at RSL Darwin Social Club for current and past members. There will also be a formal dinner on 16 September at Skycity Darwin, with guest speakers and live entertainment. Formal Dinner tickets can be purchased online at https://www.ivvy.com/event/RSL17/.
ADM Defence Estate and Base Services Summit Date Location Website
19 September 2017 Hyatt Hotel, Canberra ADM Events
The event will hear from the senior leadership team from the Defence Estate and Infrastructure Group, construction & facilities management contractors and industry experts.
SADIG & ACSER Space Industry Networking Date Location Register
22 September 2017 Sydney Eventbrite
Meet the Sydney space industry and mingle with local and international space industry representatives. Includes guest talk by retired NASA astronaut Col. Pamela Melroy
International Astronautical Congress 2017 Date Location Website
25-30 September 2017 Adelaide IAC
The Adelaide congress will be the 68th annual IAC. The Congress is the one time of the year when all space actors come together. Global, multidisciplinary and covering all space sectors and topics, it offers everyone the latest space information, developments and above all, contacts and potential partnerships.
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Australia’s Future Submarines: Getting this Key Capability Right Date Location Register
27 September 2017 Canberra National Press Club
The report by Jon Stanford of Insight Economics and other contributors will be launched at the NPC by ANU Professor of Strategic Studies Hugh White and former head of the APS Dr Michael Keating
Systems Modelling Conference Date Location Register
28th September 2017 Canberra UNSW Canberra
The Systems Modelling Conference is focused on the use of wholesystems approach to design and manage complex problems in sociotechnical and socio-ecological systems. It will showcase the use of systems thinking and systems modelling in a wide range of areas.
PACIFIC 2017 Date Location Website
03-05 October 2017 Sydney Pacific 2017
PACIFIC 2017 will be a comprehensive showcase of the latest developments in naval, underwater and commercial maritime technology. The International Maritme Conference program can beviewed here.
Future Submarine Industry Briefing Pacific 2017 Date Location Time
04 October 2017 Pacific 2017, Sydney International Convention Centre 1400-1600
Register Step 1 – Register as a PACIFIC 2017 trade visitor. Exhibitors can also attend this event, but will be required to have an exhibitor badge. Step 2 – Register your attendance for the Future Submarine Industry Briefing via Eventbrite
Meet the Chiefs - CASG
Date: 5th October 2017 Location: Canberra Register: DefenceWatch The next in the C3i DefenceWatch ‘Meet the Chiefs’ industry briefings features the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
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Inaugural Force Design Conference Date Location Register
10-11 October 2017 Canberra UNSW ADFA
Force Design 2017 (#FD17) will deliver focused presentations from Defence Senior Leaders and key executive staff responsible for assessing the current force, and designing a balanced and affordable future force, in order to provide the Commonwealth with a capable, agile and potent Joint Force. Abstracts should be 250-300 words plain text and be emailed to [email protected] no later than 28 August. 2017
NZDIA Forum Date: Location: Website:
10-11 Octoberr 2017 Wellington, NZ NZDIA
With a broader focus on technology, cybersecurity and major equipment replacement programs, it is a must attend event for information exchange and networking with NZ Ministry of Defence, Defence Forces, National Security Agencies and Industry.
AmCham Defence & Aerospace Mission USA Date: Location: Register:
15-20 October 2017 Virginia/Washington DC AmCham events
In October 2017, AmCham will run this inaugural trip, with visits to key US government agencies and defence industry giants with major footprints in Australia. Along the way, delegates will be exposed to how innovative thinking drives success among the major players in Virginia, Washington DC, and Mobile, Alabama. Led by Maureen Dougherty, president Boeing Australia & South Pacific.
Future Submarine Briefing Darwin Date Location Register Email
24 October 2017 Darwin Eventbrite Jessica Thomas
Australian companies, R&D and educational institutions are invited to attend and hear from the future submarine enterprise (CASG, Naval Group and Lockheed Martin) in regards to opportunities available in the program.
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ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit Date Location Website
25-26 October 2017 Darwin ADM Events
The event will hear from ministers, defence officials, military commanders, industry leaders, prime contractors, defence SMEs, strategic analysts, academics and consultants on topics and issues concerning Defence in the North. Register now for early bird rates – speaker line up includes former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Meet the Chiefs - Estate & Infrastructure Date Register
3rd November 2017 DefenceWatch
Featuring Steve Grzeskowiak – Deputy Secretary Estate and Infrastructure.
Counter Non-Traditional Threats Conference and Exhibition (Counter-NTT) Date Location Register
9-10 November 2017 Canberra UNSW Canberra
Counter-NTT is targeted at those who have an interest in countering the non-traditional and improvised threats from chemicals, biological hazards, radiation, nuclear, toxic industrial chemicals and materials, explosives, pandemics and other hazardous materials.
4TH SIA SUBSTEC 2017 Date Location Website
13-16 November 2017 Adelaide Registration
The theme of the conference is: The Australian Submarine Capability – Consolidating Emerging Technologies and Developing the Submarine Workforce. The conference will be preceded by visits to defence industry and academic research laboratories in the greater Adelaide area.
MilCIS 2017 Date Location Website
14-16 November 2017 Canberra www.milcis.com.au
In November each year, the Defence Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG) partners with the University of NSW, Canberra and the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) to present MilCIS.
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APS 5-6 High Performance & Leadership Conference 2017 Date Location Register Web
20-24 November 2017 Canberra [email protected] go.evvnt.com
The Public Sector is known for developing and promoting strong, intuitive and resilient leaders. These leaders come in many forms and have diverse backgrounds built on skills, learning and experience.
4th Int. Congress on Soldiers’ Physical Performance Date Location Website
28 Nov – 01 Dec, 2017 Melbourne ICSPP
Held every three years, in 2017 there will be a number of interactive forums, including roundtables and think tank discussions that will be held to identify research priorities across the soldiers’ lifecycle.
ADM STEM in Defence Summit Date Location Register
30 November 2017 Canberra Informa
ADM is proud to announce its newest addition to the already thriving ADM Conference series. The summit will focus on the overwhelming need for Defence to encourage, harness and progress its relationship with the Education sector. Specifically, the emergence of STEM education as an essential industry in the future is of utmost importance. Book now and save $200.
ADM Congress 2018 Date Location Website
14 February 2018 Canberra ADM Events
This major Defence/Industry Conference has evolved into a pivotal event in the Defence calendar, attracting over 450 delegates each year.
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IN THIS ISSUE $360m Romeo upgrades to stay in sync with US���������������������������������������������������������1
ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS
DEFENCE WEEK
Hunter at vanguard of NSW defence stimulus�������������������������������������������������������2 UTC/Rockwell Collins merger set to shake up aerospace supply chain�����������������������4 Enhanced SM-6 adds terminal phase BMD to repertoire���������������������������������������5 Team Reaper expands AIC for Air 7003���6
The RAN received the last MH-60R Romeo Seahawk in September 2016; one of the 24 delivered is seen here testing the new Airborne Low Frequency Sensor (ALFS) system or dipping sonar.
CONTACT DETAILS EDITOR Katherine Ziesing T: 0419 014 308 [email protected] ONLINE EDITOR Patrick Durrant T: 02 9213 8249 [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Nigel Pittaway M: 0418596131 [email protected] PUBLISHER Judy Hinz T: 07 3348 6966 [email protected] STUDIO MANAGER Lauren Esdaile [email protected] SUBSCRIPTIONS Martin Phillpott Toll Free 1800 807 760 [email protected] PUBLISHED BY Yaffa Media Pty Ltd 17-21 Bellevue St, Surry Hills NSW 2010 T: 02 9281 2333 www.greatmagazines.com.au ADM CANBERRA OFFICE Tel 02 6203 9535 PO Box 4783, Kingston ACT 2604 ADM BRISBANE OFFICE T: 07 3348 6966 PO Box 9165, Wynnum Plaza Qld 4178 www.australiandefence.com.au
SUBSCRIPTIONS GREATMAGAZINES.COM.AU CALL 1800 807 760 EMAIL [email protected] Copyright © 2017
All material appearing in ADM is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not permitted without permission in writing from the publisher. The publishers accept sole responsibility for the contents of this publication, which may in no way be taken to represent the views of the Department of Defence, the Australian Defence Force or any other agency of the Commonwealth of Australia.
ADM ’s Defence Week Premium Edition This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.
$360m Romeo upgrades to stay in sync with US Patrick Durrant & Nigel Pittaway | Sydney & Melbourne Australia has been approved by the US State Department for a $360 million upgrade program for the 24 recently delivered MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’ helicopters nearing full operational capability with the RAN. ADM understands that in order to keep in line with the US spiral development program for the platform, the Commonwealth has requested the 10-year program for upgrades including associated training devices, parts, serivces and logistic and program support. The prime user of the platform (the US Navy) is committed to a long-term preplanned product improvement program, also known as P3I, to keep the MH-60R current throughout its life. Recent upgrades have included vital software and mission management systems in the Situational Awareness Technology Insertion (SATI) package as well as design upgrades to the Identification Friend-or-Foe Interrogator Subsystem. Combined with the aircraft’s Automatic Radar Periscope Detection and Discrimination system, the MH-60R’s range of detection will expand – enhancing situational awareness and advanced threat detection – while interference with civil air traffic control systems will diminish. The MH-60R Electronic Surveillance Measures (ESM) system, which provides aircrew with valuable threat-warning capabilities, has benefited from the installation and maintenance of an ESM autoloader, and the development of Mission Data Loads, which comprise a www.australiandefence.com.au | Defence Week Premium | 07 September 2017 | ISSUE 461 | 1
© DEFENCE
Forthcoming Events�����������������������������������8
DEFENCE WEEK PREMIUM EDITION
“The prime user of the platform is committed to a long-term preplanned product improvement program.”
ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS database of possible threats within a specific region of operations. Smaller elements are included as well, including the integration of a new multi-function radio called the ARC210 Gen 5, crucial spare assemblies and integration of other core technologies. The Gen 5 radio will provide MH-60R aircrew with flexible and secure communication. The proposed upgrades will provide Australia the resources necessary to properly maintain its multi-mission helicopters through Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky, which would act as the principal contractor under the proposed program. For more on the Romeo’s introduction into RAN service see deputy editor-at-large Nigel Pittaway’s story in the forthcoming October edition of ADM.
Hunter at vanguard of NSW defence stimulus Katherine Ziesing | Newcastle
© DEFENCE
A Hornet flys over RAAF Base Williamtown in the Hunter region.
HunterNet Defence, based in Newcastle, hosts one of the largest regional defence conferences in the land, and it recently attracted 120 delegates to get an update of the state of the nation when it comes to the Defence community. With a speakers list that encompasses uniforms, politics and industry, it provides an excellent forum for collaboration and information sharing outside the usual capital city environment. T he NS W Government ’s Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald MLC said the region’s defence and related industry is on the cusp of something special. “The new Defence Research and Innovation Hub at Williamtown Aerospace Centre will be an exciting addition to the region, helping drive more innovative projects and growth in the sector including for start-up businesses,” MacDonald said. “The Hunter embodies NSW’s strength in defence force sustainment with Williamtown home to fast-jet maintenance, and now the renewed potential for naval sustainment in Newcastle when the
ADM ’s Defence Week Premium Edition This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.
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“The Hunter embodies NSW’s strength in defence force sustainment.”
MOST READ ONLINE www.australiandefence.com.au 1. Biggest Navy task group in 30 years heads up top 2. Naval Group promises visible movement on future subs 3. Austal opens Adelaide OPV base 4. BAE Systems appoints Australian and ex-army officer as local CEO 5. Some home truths about LVC
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ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS Carrington slipway reopens at the Port.” The new Defence NSW team headed by Commodore (Retd) Peter Scott was also on deck, with CDRE Scott outlining the role of his new team in leading the collaboration charge at the behest of the state government. Air Vice Marshal Mel Hupfield, head of Force Design, provided an update on the various policy changes that are filtering through the Defence organisation and their flow on effects for Defence industry. The previous thin veneer of joint capability acquisition that permeated Defence is a thing of the past with the changes the First Principles Review (FPR) is bringing into effect. AVM Hupfield outlined the changes in policy as they related to Smart Buyer, the new Capability Life Cycle (which were merged in March this year), and detailed what information the department is looking to release to industry at an unclassified level to help them support one another. “These activities are a collection of commonsense approaches that have become more disciplined and therefore more repeatable,” AVM Hupfield said in regard to the change in procurement processes as ”Force Design is not a set and forget function”. Squadron Leader Nathan Draper provided an update on JSF sustainment plans; as the first Australian maintenance engineer posted to the US, he is now training the next cadre of maintainers at RAAF Williamtown as the base ramps up to receive the jets at the end of next year. “There are over 300,000 parts on a JSF from 1,500 suppliers globally,” SQNLDR Draper explained. “That’s a lot of opportunities across the Life of Type.” On the collaboration front, KPMG’s Mike Kalms provided some metrics into how the Defence community performs. In short, not great, according to their survey and research, commissioned by the Centre for Defence Industry Capability last year. The resulting report Defence Capability Collaboration (available on their website – a highly recommended read) found that while most companies thought they were good at collaboration, they rated their partners as less good at it. And this is how every participant responded! Speaking on DST Group’s partnering program expansion over the past 12 months, Dr Mark Petrusma said the organisation had signed $35 million worth of partnering agreements under 348 different guises. Dispensations under the Next Generation Technology Fund saw $15.7 million distributed to 23 universities under 59 projects from a field of 428 applications from 31 universities. The University Research Network framework is also kicking goals with numerous universities signing up to a range of research disciplines. “The Next Generation Technology Fund is the big R and little d of Research and Development,” Dr Petrusma explained. “The Innovation Hub is the little r and the big D. There is no clear delineation between the two per se, as R&D operates on a continuum.” For more detailed coverage of the event, look out for the October edition of ADM. www.australiandefence.com.au | Defence Week Premium | 07 September 2017 | ISSUE 461 | 3
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UTC/Rockwell Collins merger set to shake up aerospace supply chain
The Rockwell Collins Australia-built optical assembly.
“Over the past 10 years we have focused on building capability in Australia to support the F-35.”
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After weeks of speculation, United Technologies Corp. (UTC) has agreed to purchase avionics contractor Rockwell Collins in an estimated $30 billion transaction in a move to establish a new Tier 1 aerospace systems supplier. Greg Hayes, UTC chairman and CEO, said the acquisition would add capabilities to UTC’s aerospace businesses and build up its complementary aerospace systems offerings. Kelly Ortberg, chairman, president and CEO of Rockwell Collins, will serve as CEO of the newly created business unit to be known as Collins Aerospace Systems while Dave Gitlin, president of UTC Aerospace Systems, will take over as president and chief operating officer of the business unit upon the deal’s completion. Boeing said in an emailed statement it was skeptical the deal “would be in the best interest of – or add value to – our customers and industry”. “Should we determine that this deal is inconsistent with those interests, we would intend to exercise our contractual rights and pursue the appropriate regulatory options to protect our interests.” ADM approached Rockwell Collins for comment but no reply was received prior to going to press. In addition to the production of optical assemblies (OAs) for the F-35 program, Rockwell Collins in Australia has also been successful in competing for maintenance work on the Australian F-35 and is planning to increase its footprint to include a manufacturing capability for critical test equipment that will be required by Australian and partner countries. In April the company produced its 100th OA for the F-35 electrooptic distributed aperture system (DAS). “Over the past 10 years we have focused on building capability in Australia to support the F-35. The skills and expertise we have built at our company’s operations in Australia have been integral to the local capability we have developed for the Australian Defence Force, such as the Army’s Digital Terminal Control System,” Nick Gibbs managing director for Rockwell Collins in Australia said in April. www.australiandefence.com.au | Defence Week Premium | 07 September 2017 | ISSUE 461 | 4
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Enhanced SM-6 adds terminal phase BMD to repertoire Patrick Durrant | Sydney A Raytheon Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) intercepted a mediumrange ballistic missile target at sea in its final seconds of flight, after being fired from the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones. During the test two SM-6 Dual I missiles were fired against the complex target that was launched off from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii. The tri-capable SM-6 missile is known for its anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare and Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capabilities but the terminal phase intercept function is a recent enhancement. A medium-range ballistic missile target is launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii, during Flight Test Standard Missile-27 Event 2 on August 29.
© USN LATONJA MARTIN
“[Intercepts during the terminal phase] are the most difficult and least desirable.” “Earlier this year, our customer (the US Navy) requested an enhanced capability to deal with a sophisticated medium-range ballistic missile threat,” SM-6 senior program director Mike Campisi said. “We did all this – the analysis, coding and testing – in seven months; a process that normally takes one to two years.” This was the third time that the SM-6 missile successfully engaged a ballistic missile target in its terminal phase, with previous tests conducted in August 2015, and then again in late 2016. A statement from the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) described intercepts during the terminal phase as the most “difficult and the least desirable of the phases because there is little margin for error and the intercept will occur close to the intended target”. The other ADM ’s Defence Week Premium Edition This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the permission of the publisher.
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ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS BMD missile in the Raytheon stable, SM-3, differs from SM-6 in that it uses non-explosive ‘hit-to-kill’ technology that intercepts ballistic missile targets during the mid-course of their trajectory. The terminal phase capability in the SM-6 is a secondary function of the weapon that is designed primarily for traditional air and cruise missile threats used in concert with the Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-1D(V) radar and the Baseline 9 version of the Aegis Combat System, soon to be in service aboard the RAN’s new Hobart class guided missile destroyers. “We are working closely with the fleet to develop this important new capability, and this was a key milestone in giving our Aegis BMD ships an enhanced capability to defeat ballistic missiles in their terminal phase,” MDA director Lieutenant General Sam Greaves said. “We will continue developing ballistic missile defence technologies to stay ahead of the threat as it evolves.” For more on the potential for BMD in the RAN, see senior correspondent Julian Kerr’s story from our July edition of ADM.
Team Reaper expands AIC for Air 7003 Patrick Durrant | Sydney Manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA‑ASI) announced an expansion today of its team in the bid for Project Air 7003 (Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) capability). The so-called Team Reaper Australia, originally consisting of Cobham, CAE Australia, Raytheon, and Flight Data Systems, was
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An MQ-9 Reaper RPAS on display at the Avalon Airshow.
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“General Atomics recognises the importance of having a robust team of Australian industry partners to support the Air 7003 requirements.”
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ISSUE 461 NEWS | INTELLIGENCE | BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES | EVENTS first announced at the Avalon Airshow this year. Membership has now increased to nine with the addition of TAE Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, Ultra Electronics Australia, Airspeed and Quickstep Holdings. “General Atomics recognises the importance of having a robust team of Australian industry partners to support the Air 7003 requirements,” CEO GA-ASI Linden Blue said. “We are strongly committed to partnerships with Australian industry and to providing a capable, affordable RPA system to the Australian Defence Force.” TAE Aerospace chief strategy officer Darren Hutchinson said he believed the project will provide substantial benefit to Australia’s local industry and showcase TAE’s innovative through-life support capabilities to the world.” Managing director Rockwell Collins Nick Gibbs, who is no doubt considering the fallout of the recent merger announcement with UTC, said, “joining Team Reaper Australia will solidify the work we’ve been doing with General Atomics to set the standards for UAS to access civil airspace”. Ultra Electronics will be supplying the UAS “with special-purpose sensors that are designed and manufactured in Australia”, according to marketing director Peter Weir. Managing director Airspeed Steve Barlow said his company would be offering its reconfigurable and proven airborne equipment pod to house payloads on the platform. Speaking for Australia’s largest independent, aerospace-grade, advanced composites manufacturer Quickstep, CEO Mark Burgess said the project fitted well with the company’s strategic direction, manufacturing capabilities and capacity availability, and added to Australia’s further development of sovereign capability. For more on Air 7003, read ADM editor Katherine Ziesing’s piece on rival bidder IAI with its Heron TP.
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Forthcoming Events Darwin RSL 100th Anniversary Date Location Website
from 13 September 2017 Darwin Darwin RSL events
The calendar of events includes a memorial church service at Christ Church Cathedral on 13 September, followed by a cocktail party at RSL Darwin Social Club for current and past members. There will also be a formal dinner on 16 September at Skycity Darwin, with guest speakers and live entertainment. Formal Dinner tickets can be purchased online at https://www.ivvy.com/event/RSL17/.
ADM Defence Estate and Base Services Summit Date Location Website
19 September 2017 Hyatt Hotel, Canberra ADM Events
The event will hear from the senior leadership team from the Defence Estate and Infrastructure Group, construction & facilities management contractors and industry experts.
SADIG & ACSER Space Industry Networking Date Location Register
22 September 2017 Sydney Eventbrite
Meet the Sydney space industry and mingle with local and international space industry representatives. Includes guest talk by retired NASA astronaut Col. Pamela Melroy
International Astronautical Congress 2017 Date Location Website
25-30 September 2017 Adelaide IAC
The Adelaide congress will be the 68th annual IAC. The Congress is the one time of the year when all space actors come together. Global, multidisciplinary and covering all space sectors and topics, it offers everyone the latest space information, developments and above all, contacts and potential partnerships.
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Australia’s Future Submarines: Getting this Key Capability Right Date Location Register
27 September 2017 Canberra National Press Club
The report by Jon Stanford of Insight Economics and other contributors will be launched at the NPC by ANU Professor of Strategic Studies Hugh White and former head of the APS Dr Michael Keating
Systems Modelling Conference Date Location Register
28th September 2017 Canberra UNSW Canberra
The Systems Modelling Conference is focused on the use of wholesystems approach to design and manage complex problems in sociotechnical and socio-ecological systems. It will showcase the use of systems thinking and systems modelling in a wide range of areas.
PACIFIC 2017 Date Location Website
03-05 October 2017 Sydney Pacific 2017
PACIFIC 2017 will be a comprehensive showcase of the latest developments in naval, underwater and commercial maritime technology. The International Maritme Conference program can beviewed here.
Future Submarine Industry Briefing Pacific 2017 Date Location Time
04 October 2017 Pacific 2017, Sydney International Convention Centre 1400-1600
Register Step 1 – Register as a PACIFIC 2017 trade visitor. Exhibitors can also attend this event, but will be required to have an exhibitor badge. Step 2 – Register your attendance for the Future Submarine Industry Briefing via Eventbrite
Meet the Chiefs - CASG
Date: 5th October 2017 Location: Canberra Register: DefenceWatch The next in the C3i DefenceWatch ‘Meet the Chiefs’ industry briefings features the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group.
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Inaugural Force Design Conference Date Location Register
10-11 October 2017 Canberra UNSW ADFA
Force Design 2017 (#FD17) will deliver focused presentations from Defence Senior Leaders and key executive staff responsible for assessing the current force, and designing a balanced and affordable future force, in order to provide the Commonwealth with a capable, agile and potent Joint Force. Abstracts should be 250-300 words plain text and be emailed to [email protected] no later than 28 August. 2017
NZDIA Forum Date: Location: Website:
10-11 Octoberr 2017 Wellington, NZ NZDIA
With a broader focus on technology, cybersecurity and major equipment replacement programs, it is a must attend event for information exchange and networking with NZ Ministry of Defence, Defence Forces, National Security Agencies and Industry.
AmCham Defence & Aerospace Mission USA Date: Location: Register:
15-20 October 2017 Virginia/Washington DC AmCham events
In October 2017, AmCham will run this inaugural trip, with visits to key US government agencies and defence industry giants with major footprints in Australia. Along the way, delegates will be exposed to how innovative thinking drives success among the major players in Virginia, Washington DC, and Mobile, Alabama. Led by Maureen Dougherty, president Boeing Australia & South Pacific.
Future Submarine Briefing Darwin Date Location Register Email
24 October 2017 Darwin Eventbrite Jessica Thomas
Australian companies, R&D and educational institutions are invited to attend and hear from the future submarine enterprise (CASG, Naval Group and Lockheed Martin) in regards to opportunities available in the program.
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ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit Date Location Website
25-26 October 2017 Darwin ADM Events
The event will hear from ministers, defence officials, military commanders, industry leaders, prime contractors, defence SMEs, strategic analysts, academics and consultants on topics and issues concerning Defence in the North. Register now for early bird rates – speaker line up includes former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Meet the Chiefs - Estate & Infrastructure Date Register
3rd November 2017 DefenceWatch
Featuring Steve Grzeskowiak – Deputy Secretary Estate and Infrastructure.
Counter Non-Traditional Threats Conference and Exhibition (Counter-NTT) Date Location Register
9-10 November 2017 Canberra UNSW Canberra
Counter-NTT is targeted at those who have an interest in countering the non-traditional and improvised threats from chemicals, biological hazards, radiation, nuclear, toxic industrial chemicals and materials, explosives, pandemics and other hazardous materials.
4TH SIA SUBSTEC 2017 Date Location Website
13-16 November 2017 Adelaide Registration
The theme of the conference is: The Australian Submarine Capability – Consolidating Emerging Technologies and Developing the Submarine Workforce. The conference will be preceded by visits to defence industry and academic research laboratories in the greater Adelaide area.
MilCIS 2017 Date Location Website
14-16 November 2017 Canberra www.milcis.com.au
In November each year, the Defence Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG) partners with the University of NSW, Canberra and the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) to present MilCIS.
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APS 5-6 High Performance & Leadership Conference 2017 Date Location Register Web
20-24 November 2017 Canberra [email protected] go.evvnt.com
The Public Sector is known for developing and promoting strong, intuitive and resilient leaders. These leaders come in many forms and have diverse backgrounds built on skills, learning and experience.
4th Int. Congress on Soldiers’ Physical Performance Date Location Website
28 Nov – 01 Dec, 2017 Melbourne ICSPP
Held every three years, in 2017 there will be a number of interactive forums, including roundtables and think tank discussions that will be held to identify research priorities across the soldiers’ lifecycle.
ADM STEM in Defence Summit Date Location Register
30 November 2017 Canberra Informa
ADM is proud to announce its newest addition to the already thriving ADM Conference series. The summit will focus on the overwhelming need for Defence to encourage, harness and progress its relationship with the Education sector. Specifically, the emergence of STEM education as an essential industry in the future is of utmost importance. Book now and save $200.
ADM Congress 2018 Date Location Website
14 February 2018 Canberra ADM Events
This major Defence/Industry Conference has evolved into a pivotal event in the Defence calendar, attracting over 450 delegates each year.
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