ARMY IN MOTION Chief of Army expands on force evolution
+ Defence Industry Rheinmetall’s plans Enhancing the Minister lauds for Aussie defence multidomain industry capability industry development capabilities of Army
Welcome EDITOR’S LETTER Army has always been the nation’s first responder. Recognising this, government has moved to modernise the force and keep it at the cutting-edge of capability
Shifting gears, Rheinmetall Defence Australia provides a detailed look into their extensive research and development programs across unmanned systems, and collaborative efforts to Steve Kuper develop critical local defence industry capability. Analyst and editor Local success story EPE Protection discusses Defence Connect its own R&D and local industry and workforce development efforts, building on its veteran- focused experience in the land domain. WHILE BOTH Navy and Air Force are Luminact discusses the importance of well progressed on their modernisation information supremacy and its role in and recapitalisation programs, driven by supporting interoperability. The company also platforms like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters discusses how despite platform commonality, and Hobart Class destroyers, Army is at the interoperability can’t be guaranteed and needs beginning of this process. Following on from to be accounted for. the success of the Defence Connect Maritime HENSOLDT Australia chats about its growing & Undersea Warfare Special Edition, this footprint across the ADF, with expertise second edition focused on the Land Domain learned during the company’s relationship with will deep-dive into the programs, platforms, Navy and Air Force to build a diverse offering, capabilities and doctrines emerging that will enhancing Army’s survivability and lethality. shape Army over the coming decades. Relative newcomer Broadspectrum speaks about To begin with, Minister for Defence Industry its transition to becoming a Ventia company, Melissa Price will detail the growing building on the broader network’s relationships role and capability of Australia’s defence to provide unique offerings to Army and the ADF. industry in supporting the delivery of the multibillion-dollar modernisation and Finally, Victorian-based Aquaterro discusses recapitalisation efforts. and deep-dives into the Army’s infantryman modernisation and lethality programs, and its Building on this, Chief of Army, Lieutenant mounting success in supporting the lethality General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, provides and survivability of the future Australian Digger. a foreword highlighting the Army’s modernisation efforts and constant pursuit of As always, feedback is both appreciated and evolutionary warfare. encouraged, so please get in touch with us should you have any ideas to put forward. Soucy will explain in detail the benefits Thanks again for your continued support as emerging from developments into composite we all work together to make Australia a safer, track systems over traditional steel track more prosperous and secure nation. systems and how the capability has evolved to be at the core of cutting-edge, mobile warfare for LAND 400 Phase 3. Chief of Army returns for a detailed Q&A Cover image: Exercise Talisman Sabre 2019 taking a look at the ‘Army in Motion’ and ‘Accelerated Warfare’ doctrines serving as the Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Whitney C. Houston driving force behind Army’s modernisation. Source: Department of Defence www.defenceconnect.com.au - 01 - Land Special Edition From the Minister
The Hon Melissa Price MP, Minister for Defence Industry LAND DOMAIN WELL BEYOND BUSINESS AS USUAL Defence and our industry partners are working closely together during the global COVID-19 pandemic to continue to deliver world-class capability in a manner above and beyond business as usual, explains the Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price
he Morrison government’s Since March, Defence has paid more than unprecedented $270 billion 190,000 invoices, totalling $15 billion, with T investment in the defence of $11 billion of them paid early. Australia continues to focus attention on This is a terrific indicator that work is Australia’s Defence needs – both now continuing and jobs are being supported and well into the decades ahead. by much needed cash flow getting But at the same time, the COVID-19 through our prime contractors to the pandemic highlights the crucial role of many Australian small businesses that our domestic industry and the crucial are critical to Defence. In addition to the support it already provides to the ADF. Defence COVID-19 Task Force, defence industry has been further supported It has never been more apparent that with the creation of a dedicated Industry Australia needs to be a nation that builds Support Cell, part of Defence’s COVID-19 high-quality, value-for-money capability Task Force, to help keep business moving. with secure, sovereign supply chains. And Defence is playing a vital role in Land Systems Division was called upon to keeping Australians in jobs by continuing provide much needed technical expertise to support Australia’s defence industry. and equipment to help Victorian company
Land Special Edition - 02 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Follow Melissa Price MP twitter.com/Melissa4Durack
Med-Con ramp up production of vitally- Prime vendor for the LAND 400 Phase 2 needed surgical masks. program, Rheinmetall Defence Australia, has already brought on board many Then Australia’s only manufacturer of Australian small businesses to support surgical masks, the Shepparton-based this project, creating hundreds of company reached out for support to restore Australian jobs and providing them with and run its mask-making machines. opportunities to showcase their talents Defence answered the call, enabling and develop export opportunities as part Med-Con to successfully increase their of their global supply chain. production capacity from 2 million to It’s both a turning point and a model for 200 million masks per year. The effort the kind of defence force our government is to rebuild the machines and enable the building – because our men and women in manufacture of additional equipment was uniform are only as strong as the industry a mammoth task, undertaken with high and the workers that stand behind them. skill and quiet dedication. It’s the same kind of thinking that has Simultaneously, the Land Systems flowed through into LAND 400 Phase 3 to Division’s Health Systems Program Office deliver up to 450 modern infantry fighting was securing tens of millions of dollars’ vehicles to protect Australian soldiers in worth of gowns, goggles and masks. combat, and bring them home safely to This significant procurement was made their families. possible largely through their prime To support and encourage local industry vendor arrangement with Central in this project, an Australian Industry Healthcare Services, one of the many Capability Roadshow was held between successful reforms put in place and March and May 2020 to give Australian available when we needed it most. businesses the chance to showcase their However, even before the pandemic, high quality products – everything from Defence had been focusing on securing steel to electronics, seating, and a range of and improving its domestic supply chains, other components and consumables. with dedicated programs to support our While the planned physical roadshows defence industry and Australian jobs – in could not be conducted, the Armoured all domains, including Land. Vehicle Division made sure this Let’s look at the LAND 400 program – opportunity wouldn’t be lost and quickly the most significant materiel acquisition transformed the roadshow to a series in the history of the Australian Army of online sessions that pitched their – which will provide a new generation expertise and capability directly to the two of armoured vehicles with new levels of project contenders, Rheinmetall Defence protection, mobility and firepower. Australia and Hanwha Defense Australia. The Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles project In other home-grown success stories, is a game-changer – with the majority of in July we announced the purchase of a its 211 vehicles being delivered from the further 8,500 rifles from Thales Australia state-of-the-art Military Vehicle Centre – in addition to the 30,000 already of Excellence near Ipswich in Queensland, being delivered. Every rifle is made with with an Australian industry capability (AIC) Australian know-how at the Thales factory level of more than 50 per cent. in Lithgow, near Sydney, enabling our www.defenceconnect.com.au - 03 - Land Special Edition From the Minister
soldiers to engage targets more accurately at much greater ranges than ever before. The wholly Australian-designed Hawkei Australian Army soldier Corporal Sander Vloothuis, operates protected mobility vehicle represents a surgical face mask machine at Med-Con Pty Ltd. Photographer: new capability for the Australian Defence CPL Sagi Biderman, Department of Defence Force and I’m proud that it is being manufactured in Bendigo, Victoria, at the same factory where the world-class Bushmaster vehicle is manufactured. The start of full-rate production in September means more opportunities for our local businesses to be involved in manufacturing and longer-term support of these vehicles in Australia. Army’s new Australian-designed Hawkei protected vehicle It will create significant long-term is ready to enter full-rate production at the Thales Protected opportunities for Australian industry, as Vehicles facility in Bendigo, Victoria. Source: Thales well as the potential for export. Again pivoting around the pandemic, Defence and Raytheon have successfully Land Systems Division has found ways conducted a preliminary design review to successfully progress a number of via virtual means, with more than 90 important industry solicitation activities. individuals participating from Australia, In May, the first virtual industry briefing the US and Norway. These types of ever held by Land Systems Division was engagements are serving to strengthen undertaken online in support of the Defence and industry relationships while Integrated Soldier System project. keeping our projects on schedule and providing cash flow to companies. This approach provided opportunities for 600 businesses across Australia to engage The pandemic also proved no match for the in the process, without the associated time Lethality System project (LAND 159), which and cost of travel. The positive and generous will deliver next-generation small arms feedback received will no doubt see more weapon systems, ranging from knives, sessions moved online in the future. pistols, rifles and machine-guns to anti- tank guided missile systems. The Protected Mobile Fires program, which will deliver the self-propelled COVID-19 restrictions meant that tender howitzers and armoured ammunition evaluation for the first phase of this project resupply vehicles from Geelong, Victoria, had to be conducted remotely, but the team continues to make good progress, with the remained connected, both within itself and key industry solicitation activities being with industry, and have successfully signed completed on schedule to deliver against a contract. our election commitment. All of this aims to ensure Australian Working together virtually has also been soldiers have a capability advantage over a critical tool for our Short Range Ground potential adversaries into the next decade. Based Air Defence project. Defence was even able to work with one of
Land Special Edition - 04 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Minister for Defence Industry the Honourable Melissa Price and Australian Army soldier Trooper Kia Arbuckle of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (QLD Mounted Infantry) at Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane. Photographer: SGT Max Bree, Department of Defence
Australia’s best-known brands. RM Williams other small Australian manufacturers, supplies parade boots for ADF members. and an order was subsequently placed When Defence heard that the firm was for 9,000 items with Farage to help with extending its usual Easter stand-down their operational capability and workflow because of the pandemic, an extra order through the pandemic downturn. for boots was placed. It’s readily apparent that the Defence RM Williams stores around the country contribution to the whole-of-government were able to progressively reopen during response has gone well beyond the May, with their factory in Salisbury, SA, uniformed soldiers, sailors and airmen and re-opening the same month. And now, airwomen seen on our city streets. ADF recruits are guaranteed to receive We have moved well beyond business as their parade boots for graduation. There usual – and helped achieve one of the have been numerous similar initiatives most successful pandemic responses implemented across the Land Domain. across the world to date, while protecting Army endorsed a proposal by Holmwood our national and strategic interests. Highgate to bring forward the manufacture I continue to be fiercely proud of my of liquid modules and tanker vehicles by department and the work they are doing 12 months to help curb commercial delays to support our nation, which they are and keep Australians employed. doing hand-in-hand with our growing Defence supported a proposal by Farage defence industry. Holdings, a small family business based It’s often said that the bonds that are in Sydney, to increase Australian industry developed during times of adversity are involvement in the manufacture of the the most enduring – and I look forward to new general duties dress for women across seeing the Defence and industry relationship the three services. They engaged with two continue to go from strength to strength.
www.defenceconnect.com.au - 05 - Land Special Edition Foreword FOREWORD FROM CHIEF OF ARMY LIEUTENANT GENERAL RICK BURR, AO, DSC, MVO
olitical, economic and Investment in emerging technologies and environmental uncertainty is high. concepts, such as robotics and autonomous P This uncertainty influences how systems and information warfare. states and groups compete and co-operate To optimise how these capabilities and how they use force for advantage. are employed, Army is exploring new Australian land forces will be required to concepts, what and how we train, and do more to enable the Australian Defence learning with others through partnerships. Force to defend Australia and its national We are driving preparation and adaptation interests in an environment shaped by for an uncertain future. Army is alert and natural disasters, the increasing range ready as an Army in Motion. and lethality of strike weapons, and the A strong defence industry is the expanding military use of the space, cyber foundation for a strong Australian and information domains. Defence Force. Industry and Defence have Australia is responding to these evolving a common purpose, to provide the best strategic circumstances. The government’s capability for Australian soldiers and Defence Strategic Update and Force Structure support national resilience and innovation. Plan 2020 articulate a strategic approach and force structure to deliver competitive We worked together during bushfires and advantage in this rapidly changing the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this environment. To ensure that Australia’s land time, industry has continued to support forces have the capacity and capabilities to land force training. do what is needed of them, government is Concurrently, Army has accelerated its investing approximately $55 billion in land training transformation, using technology capabilities over the next decade. The key and delivering training differently, components of this investment are: while complying with state and national Credible combat capabilities designed to restrictions. Industry has an important succeed in joint land combat. role in this transformation. Sophisticated combat support capabilities More broadly, Army supports the such as long-range fires, cyber and implementation of the Defence Industrial electronic warfare capabilities. Capability Plan to develop sovereign defence
Land Special Edition - 06 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Private Callam Stewart, who serves as an infantryman with 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, conduct reconnaissance during Exercise Talisman Sabre 19 at Stanage Bay, Queensland, Australia, July 15, 2019. Photographer: Sgt. 1st Class Whitney C. Houston, Department of Defence
industry for land combat vehicles, combat Defence industry publications, such as clothing, small arms design, research, Defence Connect, enable dialogue and development and manufacture. understanding between Army and industry. This engagement is vital for Army to drive Army disproportionately partners with down the cost of ownership and to ensure many Australian small and medium the sustainment and delivery of the land businesses and always seeks to develop more capabilities the Australian Defence Force effective ways of doing business through needs now and in the future. greater collaboration and co-operation. Strong defence industry, enabled by The forums for collaboration continue to government investment, collaboration, expand. Current avenues include Annual innovation and understanding, continues to Army Innovation Days, conducted virtually ensure that Australia’s land forces can meet in 2020, the recently established Robotics the tasks required in a dynamic strategic and Autonomous Systems Implementation context. Army seeks industry’s insights, Coordination Office, and Army and industry ideas and innovations to help us succeed in integration in trials and experiments. a future defined by accelerating change.
www.defenceconnect.com.au - 07 - Land Special Edition Feature COMPOSITE RUBBER TRACKS TO SUPPORT LAND 400 PHASE 3 CONTESTANT Soucy Defense has responded to the Commonwealth’s LAND 400 Phase 3 bid, using international experience to deliver a composite rubber track for the Australian Army’s future IFV
oucy Defense has been in the CRT perform as Rheinmetall and Hanwha background of this battle of the giants, go head to head in trials later this year. a subsidiary of the Canadian company S Speaking to Defence Connect, Kevin Soucy Group, it designs and manufactures Sloan, Soucy Defense’s regional business composite rubber track systems to meet the development director and a retired requirements laid down by end users and British Army Cavalry Officer, explains leading manufacturers of defence vehicles. the benefits of fitting next-generation No matter who wins the multibillion-dollar combat vehicles with CRTs. LAND 400 Phase 3 program, the platform “The benefits of CRT have made it a is expected to deliver the Australian Army popular choice when compared to the with a next-generation capability and will alternative, steel track. Offering enhanced require equally next-gen components to support the intended operational capacity. mobility; weight saving, exceptional mean time before failure rates (MTBF), Enter Soucy Defense, which has worked lower vibration, reduced noise, better fuel hard over the past few years to shape consumption, with minimal maintenance opinion and inform the Australian Defence and reduced logistic demand,” Sloan says. Force of composite rubber track (CRT) system benefits while attending land forces Expanding on this, Sloan adds, “The end conferences and meeting with program users and OEMs are now looking beyond managers for LAND 400. The company has the traditional and seeking to optimise also collaborated with the LAND 400 Phase their platforms in all areas of vehicle 3 OEMs to ensure that CRT is available in design, and with the benefits CRT brings, time for the competition. it has a positive effect on all areas of vehicle development.” Hanwha’s AS21 Redback is fitted with CRT and Rheinmetall KF41 is fitted with steel Soucy Defense offers arguably one of track. It will be interesting to see Soucy’s the most innovative solutions in tracked
Land Special Edition - 08 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Rheinmetall’s KF-41 Lynx IFV is one of two contenders for the LAND 400 Phase 3 program. Source: Rheinmetall MAN
mobility in recent history, meeting defence over the past 25 years – it took me a while standards for over 25 years, in the harshest to be a convert. What also does not help is of operational environments. that requirements managers/end users have For Soucy, however, there seems to be already considered tracked vehicles having some misplaced reluctance to introduce challenges in long distance deployments, CRT on their armoured vehicles, and compensate for that in their Battle Field something Sloan explains in great detail. Mission (BFM) requirements.” “I think its perception, having looked Sloan adds, “Composite rubber track reduces at CRT from a military requirements the high levels of vibration synonymous standpoint whilst serving, there is with steel tracked vehicles, which reduces definitely a cohort of platform designers early mechanical failure and crew fatigue. and requirements managers who are “Operationally, combat formations currently biased towards steel tracks – potentially suffer significant attrition as vehicles break they are less risk in design,” he explains. down or require maintenance on their “They have an idea that rubber tracks way to the line of departure, reducing a stretch, and are weak, these opinions are commander’s combat effectiveness before formed by individuals who have not followed his mission has even started. When you the development of composite rubber track consider the benefits and realise the cost
www.defenceconnect.com.au - 09 - Land Special Edition Feature
Hanwha Defense Australia’s AS21 Redback IFV. Source: Hanwha Defense Corporation
savings through life that CRT enables – it’s a and Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 will see wonder why that perception is still out there both platforms put through a gruelling – but I can assure you the tide is turning.” risk mitigation activity (RMA) for two distinctly different platforms. Soucy Defense is also focusing its attention on developing Australian industry capacity, Hanwha Defense Systems AS21 working closely with Australian suppliers Redback: The AS21 will include the to ensure that much of the subcomponents capability to integrate active protection for a CRT could be produced under licence. systems into an evolved turret system, the Redback will, like the unsuccessful Sloan tells Defence Connect, “Facilitating BAE offering, be capable of hosting a Australian industry involvement and crew of 11 (three crew, eight troops), a Australian workers will be vital to the top road speed of 70km/h, cross country success of LAND 400 Phase 3. It will be a speed of 40km/h, an operational range huge opportunity for Australian industry of 500 kilometres, with an armament to deliver the latest technologies to the consisting of a 40mm autocannon and a Australian Defence Force and Soucy would single 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. be incredibly proud to see CRT as part of it.” Rheinmetal Lynx KF-41: The Lynx KF41 LAND 400 Phase 3 is a $10-15 billion Army will include the capability to support a program that will recapitalise Army’s crew of 12 (three crew, up to nine troops), Vietnam-era M113 armoured personnel have a max road speed of 70km/h, a road carrier (APC) force, with a combination of a range of more than 500 kilometres, with tracked infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) and an armament consisting of the Lance 2.0 tracked APC. 30-35mm autocannon, a 7.62mm coaxial The Australian government’s down machine gun and a variety of additional select of Hanwha’s AS21 Redback IFV close in weapons systems.
Land Special Edition - 10 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Q&A
Q&A with Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO ‘ARMY IN MOTION’ AND THE FUTURE OF THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY The Army in Motion philosophy necessitates a force that is continuously adapting to an ever-changing environment, taking guidance from its core strengths and principles, yet always remaining open to developing new ways of employing capabilities
s government’s ‘first responders’, Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick the Australian Army is often called Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, is responsible for A upon to meet myriad challenges ensuring that the Army is “ready now, facing decision makers – as technology has future ready” to meet the missions of evolved so too have the operating concepts today and the future. and doctrine available to the Army. The Army in Motion concept recognises The Commonwealth government has the major challenge of ‘Accelerated announced a $270 billion investment Warfare’, which describes changes in modernising the Australian Defence occurring in global, regional and Force, with Army expected to be the domestic operating environments. beneficiary of $55 billion over the next Shedding light on this evolution, LTGEN decade with a focus on building Army’s Burr took the time to answer some capacity to conduct traditional, high questions about ‘Army in Motion’ and the intensity combat capabilities. evolution of Army as it will fit within the Spearheading the revolution and evolution ‘joint force’ and 2020 Defence Strategic now transforming the Australian Army, Update and Force Structure Plan. www.defenceconnect.com.au - 11 - Land Special Edition Q&A
Defence Connect: Considering some of So, a lot of good news in this, and we’re the challenges we have to our north, grateful for government’s investment in how is Army preparing and gearing the land force. up to make sure that it’s spot on for the response we need now, while also DC: What are you doing or how is Army preparing for the future? preparing for the next iteration of a white Chief of Army Lieutenant General Rick paper, and what’s your involvement there? Burr, AO, DSC, MVO: We absolutely LTGEN Burr: The strategic update is the have been thinking about this emerging platform that gives us the policy settings future for a while now. We described it as and the investments and the resource to accelerated warfare. The acceleration of prosecute that strategy, so we’re absolutely change in our strategic environment, the focused on delivering that. convergence of that change through the many domains is materialising. Inside the department … this is a continuous process, as we think through the life cycle In many respects the future’s already here, of continuously updating strategy, updating and it really imposed on us as an Army to our priorities and our investment priorities think about how we organise to accelerate accordingly. That’s a continuous process. in our own response to that, and how we think of ourselves, to be ready now but Right now, we are focused on also can gear up for that future. implementing the outcomes of the Force Structure Plan. Inside Army we are That’s been the central philosophy, if you focused on delivering that through the like, of what we’ve called the Army in Army Objective Force, which is focused Motion; an Army that needs to continuously on posture and the integration of those adapt to an ever-changing environment, to capabilities into our organisation, [and] not be fixed in its ways but be guided by its how we develop [everything] around that. core strengths, the principles that underpin how we employ capabilities. That includes things like new training systems and new workforce requirements [It also needs] to be open to developing new to operate what are fundamentally concepts, new ways of employing these new capabilities in a lot of cases, or capabilities, and this environment has new capabilities to replace previous certainly presented those opportunities. platforms [that] will also be employed in The Force Structure Plan builds on the fundamentally different ways. integrated investment plan from the 2016 A good example is the Boxer, which is defence white paper. replacing the LAV, investing a one-for- It helps us strengthen the Army, an Army one replacement. This is a fundamentally that in its design principles we knew different capability in terms of its … needed to be more connected, more technology, the sensors, the way it can protected, more lethal, and more enabled. integrate into the joint force to be a node The capabilities that we’re receiving enable on the network ... a mobile command and us to achieve that. control (C2) node. It allows us to operate in and across all This is an incredibly capable platform. But domains and to be a more effective and a when you think about long-range fires, that more integrated member of the joint force. is fundamentally different for our Army.
Land Special Edition - 12 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO (left), talks with soldiers during the Australian Army’s 119th birthday celebration at Russell Offices, Canberra. Photographer: CPL Sagi Biderman, Department of Defence
Being able to fire at operational level LTGEN Burr: Since the integrated ranges, to add more capability to the joint investment plan that we’ve been executing force, to provide more operational and over the last four years, I think Army strategic options to government, it is new has really strengthened its partnership territory for our Army. with industry. It has a much more clear We’re excited about it, and it’s reflected understanding of what it means to be a back throughout our entire force demanding customer, to be clear about structure in terms of who we need to future-proofing our requirements, and be recruit, how we need to develop our driving down the cost of business. people into the future, and how we The cost of ownership is a key issue for manage that skill base going forward. us in Army, in terms of sustaining these capabilities over time.
DC: How are you finding industry’s They are high tech, they have a lot of role in supporting the delivery and the sustainment, as well as a number of our modernisation and the sustainment legacy platforms and how we keep them of the Army’s existing and future going while we introduce these new capabilities? It seems to be working capabilities. So, lots of opportunities for much better than how it used to, but industry to be on that journey with us, to what more would you like to see? be a good partner.
www.defenceconnect.com.au - 13 - Land Special Edition Q&A
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, in the dock of HMAS Adelaide during Operation Bushfire Assist 2020. Photographer: ABIS Thomas Sawtell, Department of Defence
But more broadly, in terms of Army, which is where a lot of that innovation and is distributed all around the country - we partnership can really play out. literally are a nationally distributed force Government highlighted that in the that provides unique opportunities for Force Structure Plan with a significant SMEs all around the country. investment in the future around A lot of the things that we do in Army autonomous systems. aren’t just the big platforms. There are a lot of little things, which really feeds into that We’ve obviously started that with our SME sector. We are ripe for innovation. robotics and autonomous systems strategy back in 2018. We set up the We have our Innovation Day each year. Implementation and Coordination Because of COVID, we did that virtually. Office last year, and we’re doing a lot of We think that’s a great thing to help smaller innovators to come to the table experimentation with unmanned and with their new ideas and to pick some of autonomous systems. And I think there’s those and further develop those initiatives. a really exciting future there. So, a lot going on in the traditional Of course, people will still be central sense, but also thinking about the future to everything we do, but that presents and where we’re going with robotics a whole new world of innovation and and autonomous systems. I think [that] supply chain opportunity for us.
Land Special Edition - 14 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Follow LTGEN Rick Burr twitter.com/ChiefAusArmy
Resilience in our supply chain is We have a very active engagement something that everyone’s focused on, and program, exercise program, exchange that’s really being addressed on a number program to build on or to strengthen of levels, but government’s defence those person-to-person relationships industry policy, the incentives to do more [and] mutual understanding. here in terms of sovereign capability, I That’s been longstanding. Obviously, a think is really strengthening our ability to big focus on the south-west Pacific in be more resilient. recent times, but certainly in south- east Asia.
DC: Industry is now a fundamental Later this year, we celebrate 50 years input of capability, which was a great of our presence in Malaysia, in RAAF milestone and well received. What would Base Butterworth … That’s an indicator you like to see more of from industry to of how long we’ve been present and help support your objectives? engaged in the region. LTGEN Burr: At the departmental We are growing those relationships level, the industry policy and all of every day, in terms of opportunities for the initiatives around that are really collaboration, bilateral relationships, strengthening our departmental approach. but also multi-lateral relations, both at the single service and at the joint level. Army doesn’t do this alone. And in the land domain, obviously skilling our In terms of how we can do more into people, better educating people in this is the future, obviously we’re thinking an important part of our capability. about … how we’re organised to operate in the continuum, if you like, Indeed, it is becoming a much stronger co-operation competition in particular career stream, if you like, inside Defence, and, as it’s commonly referred to now, and Army is helping strengthen that. the grey zone. We also understand what it means to be We have a lot of capabilities that a good partner, to embrace the ideas of contribute to that, and Army is an others, to be open to exploring new ideas active player in terms of building and to bring new people onto the team, partnerships, the shaping element of ultimately with that shared purpose of our strategy, but also the deterrence. delivering great capability for our Army and driving down the cost of ownership, DC: When you talk about the impact and to always seeking the edge. of platforms, doctrine and manpower, which we’ve just had a quick discussion DC: Is Army capable of responding to about, can you give some sense for and meeting the different challenges and the relationships between Accelerated threats in the Indian and Pacific Oceans Warfare and Army in Motion? separately? What’s your view on that? LTGEN Burr: I think the philosophy LTGEN Burr: We are already actively has served us well, because it speaks to engaged, not just here at home, but in the tension between what you’re doing the Pacific and through south-east Asia today but the need to continuously and and Asia. proactively prepare for the future. www.defenceconnect.com.au - 15 - Land Special Edition Q&A
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO and Thales CEO Chris Jenkins at Russell Offices, Canberra for the full-rate production announcement of Australian Army Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle. Photographer: Jay Cronan, Department of Defence
The future doesn’t just arrive. You don’t LTGEN Burr: With people at its centre or just arrive in an organised way. You at its core, achieving their potential, doing need to constantly be pulling it towards it in partnership with others, grounded as you, making choices today, making a profession; that’s its central idea. risk-based decisions to make changes To manage that across a large Army now in order to embrace that future and enterprise, a very complex system, we be ready for it on your own terms. have introduced the Army Operating The idea of that future being described System, which allows us to break it down as accelerated warfare, the need to into a land capability system, to manage be an Army in motion continuously all of these capability aspects, the people changing, speaks to that. capability system. This helps to think of our people as a DC: Based on the evolving geopolitical capability and a key element of delivering landscape and these doctrines, how these outcomes, and preparedness system, are you ensuring their relevance today with a more strategic front around how versus their relevance tomorrow or we think of all of this coming together to maybe five years’ time? Can you see help us make those risk-based and time- the Army deviating too far away from based decisions about what changes we where it is right now? need to make.
Land Special Edition - 16 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Q&A
Q&A with Gary Stewart, managing director of Rheinmetall Defence Australia INNOVATION, R&D AND THE FUTURE OF RHEINMETALL’S PLANS FOR AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT Rheinmetall Defence Australia is at the forefront of driving Australian industry development through the LAND 400 program. As part of this, the company is building a robust R&D capability which will keep the ADF at the cutting edge of capability
s the Australian Army continues to Delivering such capabilities requires a embark upon the implementation dedicated commitment to developing A of ‘Army in Motion’ doctrine, sovereign industrial capability and working innovation, technology and industry all work with the end user to establish technology together in conjunction to deliver a cutting- development priorities in response to edge capability for the future ‘joint force’. existing and emerging challenges. As a fundamental input to capability, Enter Rheinmetall Defence Australia, industry is at the forefront of Army which is playing a critical role in delivering the ‘Army in Motion’ concept supporting the development of a robust and supporting doctrines of ‘Accelerated innovation and research and development Warfare’ and the development of a capability to support the needs of the ‘Networked and Hardened’ Army. Australian warfighter today and tomorrow. www.defenceconnect.com.au - 17 - Land Special Edition Q&A
Speaking exclusively to Defence Connect, Providing Army with a force multiplier Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA) effect, delivering quality and value in our managing director Gary Stewart took products/services etc; the time to answer some questions Helping Rheinmetall to secure major and shed some light on the company’s Defence programs, both locally and innovation agenda. internationally; Being active as a leading defence prime in Defence Connect: R&D plays an important Australia; role in RDA’s ambitions in Australia Striving for technical superiority to enable – can you highlight some of the focal the development of high technology points and what they mean for RDA’s products for Defence; relationships with the existing and future supply chain partners? Creation of high technology jobs in Australia; and Gary Stewart: RDA is focused on the introduction of emerging technology to Supporting local industry. Australia from Rheinmetall research and product development internationally, How does our R&D work to support these and its application in the Australian focal points? academic and research community to seed the development of leading technology Our technology can extend the life of products for Defence. type of platforms and adds value to existing products; RDA have formed a series of strategic and research relationships in Australia, Our global collaboration means we are in a very short time frame, with CSIRO, able to develop technology faster and DST Group and a number of Australian with more capability than if developing in universities, with the aim to target specific Australia alone; research foci leveraging the very best that We have access to technology and Australian research has to offer. specialists through our global partners, These include perception-based which isn’t readily available in Australia, technologies, artificial intelligence but we sponsor transfer of technology and machine learning for autonomous to enable sovereign development of systems in the short term and materials capability. Likewise, we are exporting research for military vehicle applications our expertise and technology to support in the medium term. future collaboration projects; RDA are developing an extensive supply We are employing 50+ researchers from chain in Australia, for both current and four local academic and government future programs, and with a select few research agencies for ACW alone; leading technology industry partners, RDA has invested $9.3 million to support to target product specific R&D activities local research. Around $5 million of this has aimed at the development of next- been awarded to local research institutions; generation military platforms. Where possible, we’re using Australian RDAs R&D efforts are focused on delivering developed sensors, knowledge, skills and the following benefits to Australia: equipment to support our development.
Land Special Edition - 18 - www.defenceconnect.com.au DC: How are some of the R&D programs We are actively participating in autonomous in Industry 4.0, lightweight metals and systems development and experimentation metals 3D printing shaping RDA’s offering programs globally, both within Rheinmetall for LAND 400 and for future development and with a variety of customers, in an effort in autonomous ground systems? to best meet the varying needs of different customers. RDA commenced planning for GS: RDA is working on a range of R&D the ACW program in late 2018 and launched projects in various levels of maturation, the program in February 2020. including autonomous systems, lightweight metals and metals 3D printing. This research program is already starting to show promise in a number of areas. RDA is aligning, wherever practical, the Product improvements stemming from research objectives and goals across our Australian research in ACW will be shared research and academic partners with across Rheinmetall autonomous systems Defence strategic planning objectives development programs globally. Using contained in documents such as the Army the same approach based on autonomous RAS Strategy 2018, the Defence Strategic systems requirements and developments Update 2020, the Force Structure Plan 2020 from Rheinmetall in North America and and the Sovereign Industrial Capability Europe, Australian research and industry Priority Industry Plan 2020. partners are able to participate in our global Reducing vehicle weight and vehicle design R&D programs to develop autonomous complexity could have possible application systems (and a range of other) products. in Defence vehicles and, in many In Australia, we are focused on software respects, this could be by using additive engineering, AI development and machine manufacturing techniques. For example, learning skillsets to complement our combining multiple vehicle components systems engineering, mechanical and into one to reduce the bill of materials, electrical engineering and military vehicle improve quality, structural integrity, reduce design and development expertise. costs and decrease manufacturing time.
DC: What platforms have currently been DC: R&D is never done in isolation developed, how do they fit within the – particularly in the autonomous land domain capability plan – what is space. How are RDA’s international the growth path and how is Australian relationships paving the way for R&D industry working to support the collaboration, how is Australian industry development of niche capabilities in fitting within the R&D programs and this space? what skills, specialities and expertise GS: Rheinmetall have developed a wide does Australia bring to the development range of platforms in recent years, including of autonomous ground vehicles? the Boxer CRV family of vehicles, the LYNX GS: RDA have fostered an open and IFV, the Protected Medium and Heavy [HX collaborative approach to autonomous family] logistic vehicles and the introduction systems research and product development into Australia of autonomous systems for with our North American and European research, development and experimentation, businesses to ensure that we leverage the such as the Mission Master UGV and the relative strengths in each jurisdiction. Autonomous Wiesel vehicle. www.defenceconnect.com.au - 19 - Land Special Edition Q&A
CSIRO, QUT, RMIT and DSTG researchers – all participating in the Rheinmetall Autonomous Combat Warrior program
Rheinmetall have built the Military research and academic partners, aims Vehicle Centre of Excellence in south- to develop on-vehicle technology that east Queensland, with extensive design, will allow future autonomous systems to manufacturing, test and support work with troops rather than be operated capabilities aimed at supporting Defence by troops. for all Land Domain platforms up to and Rheinmetall autonomous systems including a Main Battle Tank. technology provides a solid foundation Rheinmetall is leveraging its already for ACW as we have already developed expanding Australian supply chain to further leader/follower, convoy mode, maximise AIC across its existing programs autonomous navigation and operation in and develop an enduring sovereign defence GPS denied environments. industry capability that will locally produce combat vehicles of exceptional quality for ACW is using this solid foundation Australia and for export. technology baseline to target specific areas of research within Australian research partners to solve the problems encountered DC: Autonomous Combat Warrior with the use of tactical autonomous systems is currently in development across in complex environments today, and to Rheinmetall – what is the latest with this prove the technology advancements that will capability? How is it changing to respond facilitate trusted human-machine teaming to the rapidly evolving threat environment? tomorrow. DST Group and Rheinmetall are GS: ACW is a three phase, five-plus developing an on-vehicle dynamic decision- year program of research and product making system that will fundamentally development that commenced in February change the way that autonomous systems 2020. The program, in concert with our operate with troops in tactical settings.
Land Special Edition - 20 - www.defenceconnect.com.au its performance and the tuning of the algorithms to suit the various mobility characteristics of each platform that the A-Kit is integrated with. RDA are planning significant growth in the A-Kit and complementary systems over the life of the ACW program, which involve the use of different sensors, sensor fusion and increasing levels of processing power. RDA is investigating the potential input from Australian industry for additional Wiesel Autonomous Combat Warrior sensor technology and payloads for ACW Phase 2, due to commence in August 2021. For ACW Phase 3 (2023-2025) Australian CSIRO, QUT and Rheinmetall are developing research partner and industry partner an advanced terrain detection system involvement will expand again. that will be capable of detecting and classifying terrains that are traditionally very confusing for autonomous systems, DC: AI is gaining prominence across the such as water and mud. CSIRO, QUT domains – but most of the emphasis is and Rheinmetall are developing a vision placed on aerial or maritime platforms – recognition system that can recognise how is AI evolving in the land domain? and classify human movement, including GS: RDA and DST Group are developing an gross body movement and hand gestures on-vehicle dynamic decision-making system to enable future autonomous systems to that is aware of the tactical environment, operate in close proximity with troops. is aware of what its human team mates are RMIT and Rheinmetall are developing an doing and why, and can perform a range of advanced machine learning and autonomous vehicle outputs/tasks that are understood systems simulation capability that will train and expected by human team mates. on-vehicle autonomous systems, can be used for training soldiers in the operation of We aim for future autonomous systems and with autonomous systems, and for after working with an infantry section, for action analysis and reporting. example, to have an understanding of infantry tactics, the threat environment, DC: What are some of the capability and can recognise what infantry troops are developments that are currently doing through human behaviours and what underway ahead of integration with the actions the humans want the autonomous platform? How much growth is available systems to perform based on a range of in the platform, what avenues can hand gesture inputs. In this sense, we Australian industry play in developing see AI evolving to enable less restricted this capability? autonomous movement of vehicles in cross GS: Assuming, by platform, you mean the country terrains using our VRS and ATD Rheinmetall autonomous kit; there are developments and that they operate as part a range of activities underway globally of the team rather than being operated by to continually improve the capability, dedicated troops within the team.
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VETERAN EXPERIENCE, INVESTMENT IN R&D AND DELIVERING GENUINE SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY Five Eyes and NATO ‘on the ground’ operational experience serves as the driving force behind EPE’s investment in developing sovereign industry capacity and R&D outcomes to deliver life-saving capability for the Australian warfighter
oday’s battlespace is an increasingly Part of the solution lies in the development contested and challenging of capability through sovereign based T environment for Australian forces capacity built from operational experience that demands technological advantage and specialist focus. EPE is a trusted, over threat forces and maintenance of the veteran-owned Australian company that individual’s capability edge. specialises in the domains of counter-IED, Whether it is counter insurgency operations EOD, counter-CBRNe, Force Protection ECM involving improvised explosive devices and counter-UAS. (IEDs), or a new battlespace where our Speaking to Defence Connect, Scott Corrigan, soldiers are engaged against peer and near- director of capability, draws on his own peer competitors that increasingly utilise experience with the Special Operations diverse intelligence and unmanned systems Engineering Regiment (SOER) to inform capabilities, our forces will be required to EPE’s capability offering in the challenging achieve capability overmatch to succeed. battlespace: “We have been able to build a Further complicating this environment team over the last decade that consists of is the ever-present threat of chemical, defence and law enforcement veterans with biological, radiological and other explosive ‘domain’ technical knowledge, mixed with weapons systems, broadening the key threat decades of ‘boots on the ground’ Five Eyes, spectrum and fundamentally reshaping the NATO and domestic operational experience. capacity, survivability and interconnectivity requirements of the conventional military, “We continue to track global threat trends special operations forces and other whole of and apply our experience to determine government agencies. what this means for current capability,
Land Special Edition - 22 - www.defenceconnect.com.au TALON Robot platform in-service with ADF
and future vulnerabilities. EPE has a single unbroken 365-days-a-year field support purpose and that is to deliver world leading representative commitment into the specialist capabilities either directly, or Middle East area of operations (MEAO).” through our partnerships, that ensures our In 2012, EPE delivered an EOD and Explosive warfighters remain at the cutting edge with Detection Dog Training Project that was the capability advantage.” able to surge specialist explosive ordnance Over the last decade, EPE has delivered and training and canine capability directly to currently supports some key components support the warfighter in Afghanistan. within Defence and whole of government Corrigan says, “The canine project has capabilities. Corrigan explains further, been one of the most enjoyable projects EPE “For Land Systems Division (LSD) EPE has delivered to date. Explosive Detection provides 100 per cent of EOD personal Dog capability is a real force multiplier in protective equipment (PPE), and the largest finding IEDs and saving lives, and we felt EOD and search unmanned ground vehicle we made a significant contribution. Our (UGVs) fleet currently in service. training services remain strong, with EPE “We also have a long-term performance- scheduled to deliver over 450 instructor based contract to sustain ‘Force Protection days of training to Australian and NZ Electronic Counter Measure (ECM) Fleets’ Defence Forces over the financial year for Electronic Systems Division (ESD). ending 2021. When you add the 2,700 plus This project has another added dimension portable CBRNe sensors EPE has delivered in that for the last eight years we have over the last three years into multiple whole been able to support a continual and of government programs, we do generate
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and sustain a good portion of current teaming capabilities currently at the top of Defence capability in our niche area.” the priority list for Defence. TRUSTED. The Commonwealth government’s push Corrigan adds, “EPE has recently won three for developing truly sovereign industrial separate projects to deliver new unmanned capability as a fundamental input to Defence system platforms into Defence’s expanding PROVEN. capacity, with an emphasis on innovation autonomous programs. We have invested and staying at the cutting edge, has seen time and resources into staff capabilities the company grow from strength-to- for developing robotics, particularly in strength both locally and around the world. the counter-IED and C-CBRNe missions, but the focus for the future is upon AUSTRALIAN. Corrigan tells Defence Connect, “We have collaborating with Defence’s autonomous enhanced our relationships with the Protecting Defence Personnel academic and R&D communities, with state, and robotics capabilities in the human- federal, tertiary and vocational education autonomous teaming systems. Against Evolving Threats. and training to ensure that we develop local “Our true sovereign industrial capability capacity from conceptualisation and design advantage is about how we bring all of through to manufacturing. As part of EPE’s this together through training, technology five-year plan, we are investing heavily platforms, sensors and effectors to generate to significantly grow our integration, test capabilities to enable our clients to achieve and assurance, validation and prototyping their mission efficiently and effectively, capabilities across our CIED, EOD, CBRNe with a high degree of safety. It is also sensor portfolio and unmanned systems about how we assist to reinforce regional platforms. We have a specific drive to enable capacity and sustain an ability to capture Defence to have the options to deliver many international best practice. of its capabilities via autonomous and semi- “We pride ourselves in the fact that we autonomous systems, which are needed have grown and established significant to support the diverse range of missions international traction to the point where required today and tomorrow. our New Zealand subsidiary was awarded “The counter-CBRN capability has been the New Zealand Defence Ministers Award a primary focus of EPE for some time for Project Delivery Excellence; and with our and given the mission requirements US team over the last month securing our for the ADF – we want to continue to first contracts to provide CBRNe sensors and support this capability by providing next unmanned systems directly into both the generation CBRNe sensor fusion from US Military and State Department projects.” the operator or platform, back to the As a trusted partner to primes, or in overarching C2 capability. Other initiatives partnership with other SMEs, EPE will in this area include a significant Defence continue to build business processes that Innovation Hub submission with a are equally trustworthy. EPE looks forward Commonwealth research partner, which to continuing to deliver complete capability will provide EPE with some significant to Defence, law enforcement, emergency commercialisation opportunities.” services and other government agencies These impressive capabilities are further in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as into enhanced by the company’s growing North America. Together we will optimise investments in unmanned and autonomous Australian industry capability for the men platforms, as well as the human-machine and women in the fight.
Land Special Edition - 24 - www.defenceconnect.com.au TRUSTED. PROVEN. AUSTRALIAN. Protecting Defence Personnel Against Evolving Threats. Nova Systems
20 YEARS DELIVERING SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY TO AUSTRALIA Nova Systems is Australia’s largest owned and controlled defence engineering services company and we’ve been building Australian capability for over 20 years
applying our intellect and knowledge to complex systems engineering. Nova employs 650 talented and dedicated professionals across our strategically located offices in Australia, New Zealand, By Steven Robinson the UK, Norway, and Singapore. We also ANZ CEO, Nova Systems engage an additional 200 professionals who are strategic partners that make up our local supply chain. For over two decades we’ve been working ur annual revenue of over $200 closely with clients such as the Australian million and the investments we make stay here in Australia, Defence Force and the New Zealand O Defence Force to deliver solutions in contributing to the national economy and providing local jobs now and into the response to complex challenges. future. In the past five years alone, we’ve Nova recognises the Land Force is invested over $17 million into research and continuing to become increasingly development and new technologies. integrated and complex as it continues to We’re Australians with a global adopt new technologies and capabilities. perspective. We solve problems that really To enable our clients to meet these matter for organisations all over the challenges, Nova draws upon our strong world, exporting Australian know-how by heritage in supporting Defence and
Land Special Edition - 26 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Erin Madden as Trail Manager for the Operational Test and Evaluation Trails on the Land 121Ph4 Project, Protected Mobility Vehicle-Light (PMV-L)
defence industries through our specialist Test and Evaluation support to Land Test capabilities in test and evaluation, and Evaluation Agency (LTEA) across all certification and systems assurance. major Army projects Coupling our land domain expertise LAND 154-2: Deployable Forensic with our capabilities and experience in Laboratory Project aerospace and maritime complex system Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle – acquisition and capability realisation Medium (PMV-M) enables us to bring a unique and holistic view of the way complex systems interact CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopter and provide leading-edge support to land MRH-90 tactical troop transport projects, including: helicopters LAND 121-4: Hawkei Protected Mobility Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter Vehicle RQ-7B Shadow 200 UAV LAND 121-3B-5B: Medium and Heavy Explosive Material Branch Integrated Transportation Capability Work Package LAND 400 Phase 2 and Phase 3: Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle and Infantry Our people combine operating experience Fighting Vehicle with highly developed system engineering LAND 2110: Chemical, Biological, skills, to enable our clients to gain the Radiological and Nuclear Defence Project most value from their assets across
www.defenceconnect.com.au - 27 - Land Special Edition Nova Systems
Nathan Coleman working on the Land 121 Ph3B and 5B (Project Overlander) team providing Operational Test and Evaluation for the Medium Heavy Capability trucks
the whole life cycle. We work as part of Division and commenced supporting Land integrated project teams to develop and Engineering Agency, Armoured Vehicle deliver projects on time, within budget Division and Land Manoeuvre Systems and to required level of quality reliably Branch. The five-year partnership will and consistently. support Land Systems Division to meet the acquisition and sustainment needs of the Nova has also been a key support to current and future Australian Army. Australia’s surveillance capability, delivering services successfully over many As Australia’s role in Indo-Pacific Asia and years across capabilities such as Air Force’s the strategic balance of power continues to E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning evolve, the Australian Army will be called and Control (AEW&C) and the Australian upon to fulfil a range of roles beyond those Defence Force’s fixed base defence air it has conducted over the past 50 years. traffic management and control system. We are a trusted partner when it comes to This experience, along with our deeply our engineering and technology offerings embedded geospatial and situational and look forward to leveraging these to awareness capability, ensures Nova has the deliver tailored solutions to the Australian experience to support programs crucial to Army now and into the future, to ensure national defence. they can respond to the national security agenda as it continues to evolve. In 2018, Nova Systems, leading Team Nova, was selected as the only 100 per cent Australian owned and controlled Major Service Provider (MSP) to the Capability, Brought to you by Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG). Under the MSP framework, Team Nova became a strategic partner to Land Systems
Land Special Edition - 28 - www.defenceconnect.com.au 20 YEARS OF PROVIDING SOVEREIGN AUSTRALIAN CAPABILITY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS THAT REALLY MATTER
Nova Systems is the largest Australian owned and controlled defence engineering services company. Since our foundation in Adelaide 20 years ago, Nova Systems and its people have been growing and providing sovereign capability to the Australian Defence Force – playing a critical role in the defence and security of our nation. As an organisation which has grown from two employees 20 years ago, to over 850 across Australia and around the globe, we are accustomed to navigating and finding solutions to solve the problems that matter with pace and agility.
Find out more novasystems.com/sovereign-capability
Nova contact: Chief Executive Officer ANZ - Steven Robinson | Telephone: +61 8 8252 7100 Feature
INFORMATION SUPREMACY EQUALS BATTLEFIELD DOMINANCE IN THE ERA OF MULTI-DOMAIN OPERATIONS The Army, like the rest of the ADF, is undergoing a transformational recapitalisation designed to make it ‘networked and hardened’. A key part of this is the capacity to seamlessly gather and share information across multiple sensors and effectors to dominate the battlespace
cross the battlespace, individual confidence, preventing delay in reacting to soldiers and commanders are a situation,” he says. bombarded by a range of information A In order to understand the importance aggregated from a wealth of embedded of information exchange and its role and allied sensors forming a cross section in securing information supremacy, of data for tasking, often complicating Luminact provides a critical definition the decision-making process. Further to guiding the company’s approach to this, the disparate number of information supporting information exchange in the gathering and processing platforms and contested battlespace. Luminact says, resources, even when operating the same “Information Exchange Requirement (IER): piece of technology, between services and An IER describes a requirement for an allied armed forces pose a major roadblock element of information to be exchanged to effective interoperability. between two or more entities. An IER For Luminact, information exchange has associated constraints (timeliness, has never been more important to the importance or classification) and is warfighter and is essential to the success of independent of the exchange mechanism. operations. Speaking to Defence Connect, “With a greater focus on common Luminact director David Abel explains platform integration, as well as the the growing importance of information Commonwealth driving cost effective ways exchange in the contemporary battlespace. of procuring and supporting the future “Decisions are based on information, capability needs, the IER capture process defining the information context ensures is becoming a key aspect to success.”
Land Special Edition - 30 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Luminact co-founders and directors David Abel (left) and Andrew Skinner
Building on this, Abel explains the growing quantum computing, artificial intelligence importance of IER for Defence, telling and human-machine teaming. Defence Connect, “There is a tendency to Geographic realities of the battlespace add define IERs with technology in mind rather further complexities for individual soldiers, than a requirement of need, with complex commanding officers and the nation’s platforms its important to first understand decision makers, meaning that information the information need.” gathering, dissemination and analysis needs As information gathering, analysis and to be less about a “stovepipe” approach and dissemination becomes increasingly more targeted towards collaboration. important to the warfighter, as the lines “With information collaboration you get between traditional domains become increasingly blurred, information exchange, cohesion, not only at a node but across the information synthesis and analysis provides network,” Abel says. an important edge for the ADF. As the ADF continues to evolve into a joint The tempo of modern combat operations, force with various ‘sensors’ and ‘effectors’ whether it is in counter insurgency, capable of gathering, disseminating humanitarian and disaster relief, or as is and effecting either individually or in a becoming concerningly likely, against peer combined arms force, so too are allied or a near-peer competitor, means that forces around the region. information capture will have to overcome Indeed, the ADF’s transformation into a a range of additional challenges. fifth-generation fighting force, kicked These challenges range from congested off by ‘catalyst’ capabilities like the F-35 and contested operating environments, Joint Strike Fighter, the Hobart Class cyber challenges, active and passive destroyers and Army’s future Boxer combat jamming capabilities and the advent of reconnaissance vehicles is providing the new technologies and capabilities including basis for many allies seeking to follow suit.
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David Abel and Andrew Skinner integrating a GVA compliant terminal to the concept demonstrator platform, in preparation for Land Forces 2021
Army’s concept of a ‘networked and understand any potential gap in capability. hardened’ force and the supporting This is key to understanding the level recapitalisation and modernisation efforts of interoperability achievable in a given embody the importance and premise of environment,” Abel says. reliable, timely information exchange As an organisation that prides itself on between a range of platforms and being vendor agnostic, Luminact is able capabilities operating in a constant state to perform a trusted role in above the line of motion. systems integration and interoperability, “Remaining ‘clear and consistent’ when with a focus on achieving the highest defining the constraints to an information levels of information exchange and exchange requirement will maintain the bringing the greatest capabilities to the intent of the requirement to the user.” war fighter for the lowest cost. Each of Army’s future platforms, whether Founded in 2016, Luminact was created it is Boxer CRV, the Army’s future attack by a group of like-minded professionals helicopter, the successful contender in looking to make an impact in consulting LAND 400 Phase 3 alongside, Raytheon’s and professional services. Luminact brings successful LAND 19B offering of NASAMS a wealth of experience in leading multi- and myriad other platforms all will national private companies, consulting in depend on knitting together and the above-the-line government agencies, and seamless flow of information. working with small to medium specialist As Australia continues to play a pivotal organisations across Australia and Europe. part of coalition operations, information Luminact is all about bringing together gathering, sharing and effecting between the best team of intelligent and critical coalition partners will be equally thinkers, with the right experience to shed important and come to form the basis of light on complicated problems and complex the broader interoperability Australia and systems. As a company, Luminact believes its allies are attempting to develop. it is important to empower its team to take “In the process of defining the IER, dynamic action and give them the freedom the exchange technology allows you to to innovate when finding solutions.
Land Special Edition - 32 - www.defenceconnect.com.au
Feature SHIFTING GEARS TO KEEP ARMY AT THE CUTTING EDGE HENSOLDT Australia has a long and proud history of supporting the ADF, providing key capabilities to Air Force and Navy, with eyes firmly set on growing the company’s space, air, land and sea programs across Australia and New Zealand
ENSOLDT Australia has grown from Navy’s capital ships, Canberra and from a product and support Adelaide, to air traffic control (ATC) Hhouse to the major primes, to a radar systems, support for regional and company supporting the ADF as a prime south-east Asian customers, optical in its own right, working on programs systems to support Australian Border such as AIR 5431 Phase 2 - the ADF Air Force and the countermeasures and self- Traffic Control Complex Infrastructure protection suite for Army’s MRH-90s Project - and Navy’s Anzac Class frigates, and ARH Tigers,” Wachman explained. to the new Supply Class fleet oilers. As a forward-thinking company, While most of HENSOLDT Australia’s HENSOLDT Australia is focused on recent emphasis has been heavily leveraging both international and local focused on Navy and Air Force radar capabilities to keep the ADF at the modernisation programs, HENSOLDT forefront of capability advancements. has a long history of delivering and Army is one focus for the company, with sustaining key capabilities for the a suite of capabilities ranging from the Australian Army - providing self- Multifunctional Self Protection System protection systems for the Army’s ARH (MUSS), an active defensive capability for Tiger and MRH-90 Taipan. armoured vehicles and other defensive Jon Wachman, managing director of platforms, including the company’s HENSOLDT Australia, spoke with Defence Xpeller man-portable, fixed and vehicle Connect about the company’s humble mounted counter-UAS platform; all beginnings and its growing ambition to designed to improve the survivability expand support offerings to the ADF. and lethality of the Australian Army. “HENSOLDT Australia was incorporated Wachman told Defence Connect, “Our as a company in October 2019, but we lineage as both a domestic and global had a branch in Australia since 2018 and company means we can provide best- a legacy of in-country support for over of-breed capabilities to the Australian 10 years. We have been growing steadily, Army, using an Australian workforce, delivering to a diverse range of programs, with local know-how.
Land Special Edition - 34 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Xpeller delivers 360 degree situational awareness
“The diversity of skills within the of a suite of locally designed and workforce enables us to deliver fixed and manufactured countermeasures for a portable capabilities around the country, range of army platforms. at established and expeditionary-focused Wachman told Defence Connect, “As a defence infrastructure. Our Xpeller platform, company, we relish the opportunity to work for example, is a piece of kit that is at the with organisations like Defence Science forefront of this capability offering.” and Technology. We’re currently working The MUSS platform is currently fitted to with DST on a range of products that will a range of wheeled and tracked armoured eventually be HENSOLDT Australia products vehicles, including the German Army’s to then be translated back through the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, the global HENSOLDT supply chain.” predecessor to Rheinmetall’s KF-41 Lynx “We’ve also got a wealth of growth currently undergoing testing for the opportunity in the passive radar and space LAND 400 Phase 3 program, and Britain’s domain, a specialisation that HENSOLDT Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank. has a significant track record in. The added This specialisation in countermeasures bonus of having a European parent means has also seen the company develop the capabilities we develop and offer aren’t robust, collaborative relationships bound by ITAR restrictions and can deliver with DST to support the development capability to the warfighter more quickly.”
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HENSOLDT Australia, 50 Collie St Fyshwick ACT
These relationships, combined with the offer radar support, testing, training and fact that they’re platform ‘agnostic’, installation services to the Australian meaning they’re not married to a specific Defence Force, extending our support to capability platform, enables the company other agencies in Australia and across the to focus solely on the requirements and APAC region. needs of the end user. This provides We are also geared to provide through- substantial room for growth. life support, partnering with in-market Wachman said, “It is an exciting time operators for sustained performance. for us, as a company, to truly focus on Part of the HENSOLDT Group of our customers and expand the capability Companies, HENSOLDT Australia is offering to the ADF, with our growing list headquartered in Canberra, with a team Detect and Protect of Australian industry partners.” of dedicated specialists to support various clients and programs across Australia. We In today’s complex world, HENSOLDT’s integrated solutions make a difference. About HENSOLDT have a long-standing relationship with DST and an established fleet, including a HENSOLDT is a pioneer of technology large number of self-protection solutions HENSOLDT has over 100 years of experience as a high-quality solutions and innovation in the area of defence on various in-service airborne platforms. provider for the defence and security sector. We produce market-leading and security electronics. The company, Although HENSOLDT Australia was technologies across established and emerging domains, keeping frontline headquartered in Germany, is a leading incorporated as a company, following forces safe. HENSOLDT’s integrated solutions combine technologies to European provider in the field of sensor the acquisition of IE Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd meet even the most stringent demands. solutions for defence and non-defence in October 2019, HENSOLDT has been applications. With currently more than operating in Australia for many years, 5,500 employees, HENSOLDT generated introducing leading technologies, delivering revenues of €1.14 billion in 2019. radars, electronic warfare systems, electro- HENSOLDT Australia Pty Ltd is a leading optronic devices and air traffic control radar solutions and services provider. We equipment to our customers.
Land Special Edition - 36 - www.defenceconnect.com.au www.hensoldt.net Detect and Protect In today’s complex world, HENSOLDT’s integrated solutions make a difference.
HENSOLDT has over 100 years of experience as a high-quality solutions provider for the defence and security sector. We produce market-leading technologies across established and emerging domains, keeping frontline forces safe. HENSOLDT’s integrated solutions combine technologies to meet even the most stringent demands.
www.hensoldt.net Feature BUILDING A LEGACY Founded in 1956, originally as Transfield Services, Broadspectrum (now a Ventia company) is an Australian and New Zealand enterprise that operates in essential infrastructure maintenance and asset management services
he company has worked in support “support and maintain” the day-to-day of the Australian Defence Force for operations of the Australian Defence estate. more than 30 years, growing over T “We perform military vehicle and the decades to now employ a workforce of equipment maintenance and repair, around 3,000 personnel nationwide in its and then a range of logistics contracts defence businesses alone. like managing clothing stores for Joint “We’ve got a presence pretty much on Logistics Command,” Osborn said. every Defence base around the country, “We also have a long relationship with ASC which is something we’re pretty proud of,” at the Osborne Shipyard in Adelaide where Derek Osborn, group executive for defence we do quite detailed and specialist ship and social infrastructure, said. corrosion protection painting and confined The company secured its first ADF space work, and we’ve done that on Navy’s contract in the early 1980s after air warfare destroyers and just started establishing a naval shipbuilding arm in working on the offshore patrol vessels. Australia. Among its first projects was Importantly, we are extremely proud the construction of two FFG-7 Oliver to provide essential services that are a Hazard Perry Class frigates for the Royal fundamental input to Defence capability.” Australian Navy. This essential contract to build warships for the RAN paved the way Broadspectrum was recently acquired by for the company to grow its presence with essential services provider Ventia, in a the ADF. Shortly after, Transfield Services move that is set to enhance the company’s secured the largest Defence contract in capacity to provide ongoing support to Australia at the time in 1989 - a $6 billion the ADF. contract to build 10 Anzac Class frigates for According to Osborn, the goals the Australian and New Zealand navies. of Broadspectrum and Ventia are Today, Broadspectrum holds a number “complementary”, making the two of ongoing contracts that are essential to companies stronger together.
Land Special Edition - 38 - www.defenceconnect.com.au 1995. The keel of HMAS Arunta, the third of ten Anzac Frigates
For Defence in particular, Osborn noted Project, or LAND 8140; the first tranche that the joining of the businesses of which will see the ADF invest in “definitely broadens and deepens our modernising deployable sanitation, capability, and widens our range of catering, water management and expertise”, while providing Broadspectrum treatment, shelters, and power generation. access to a “bigger platform” for Osborn has named the solution: ‘modular investment in technology and future field systems’. innovation. Despite the change, Osborn “It’s a clean slate design, so we’ve gone said Broadspectrum’s commitment to its about it from the ground up,” Osborn clients will “absolutely stay the same”, explained, stating that the project was a following the Ventia acquisition. “challenge” to develop something that is “Above all else, our major focus remains going to “absolutely fit” the needs of the on the safety and health of our people, ADF now, and into the future. our clients and our communities,” he said. The Broadspectrum design includes “There is nothing more important than “bespoke generators, deployable kennel ensuring everyone gets to go home safely, systems, and hygiene systems that are all every single day. We also care deeply about highly mobile, which we think is obviously our impact on the environment and the necessary to meet the scope”. legacy we leave for future generations.” According to Osborn, the ‘modular Looking to the future of Broadspectrum, field systems’ name stems from the company has recently completed its “the interoperability that underpins bid on the Deployable Force Infrastructure everything” in the offering.
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Broadspectrum operates directly with Army at Defence sites nationally
“For example, the generators can be Important to Broadspectrum’s bid, as connected into sequence to increase power well as their future developments moving output as the power demand increases. You forward, is the ability to plan not just to can simply add more generators into the answer today’s needs, but also tomorrow’s. grid,” he said. “We’re thinking about how could we take Further, the generator frames have these generators, in particular, from a been “specifically designed to be fully diesel, to a hybrid and then to non-fossil interoperable” with existing army fuels, so that we’re not producing a system infrastructure, said Osborn. just for today,” Osborn said. “To give an example, four small generators, The Broadspectrum solution has other or two large generators will fit inside one benefits too, he noted. of Defence’s joint modular intermodal “It’s lighter weight, it’s reduced noise, it’s containers; they call them JMICs,” he said. lower total cost of ownership, it’s easily “But, effectively, our design fits perfectly supported in the field, and it’s a national into a JMIC, so we’re trying to make sure support base,” Osborn said. “I think if that everything we do fundamentally fits there’s one thing that, more than anything into their overall existing logistics solution. else, we’re proud of, is that we are going Whether it’s a shower, a kitchen, a kennel, to hit 100 per cent of the Army’s essential the generators; everything will fit into the requirements. And we’re designing defence system, and they can effectively plug everything from scratch using five local and play, so that they can take what they small and medium enterprises. need, where they need it, when they need it.” “So, all of that to us is really critical. The Broadspectrum design will also fit into There’ll be 22 new jobs produced, and the ADF’s existing vehicle fleets, both in we’ll introduce 11 new vendors into the medium and heavy vehicles, said Osborn. Defence supply chain.”
Land Special Edition - 40 - www.defenceconnect.com.au DEPLOYABLE FORCE INFRASTRUCTURE A FULLY COMPLIANT SOLUTION WHOLLY DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN AUSTRALIA • Generators • Highly Mobile Hygiene Systems • Highly Mobile Catering Systems • Deployable Kennel Systems
OUR COMMITMENT • New Australian jobs • New Australian Defence vendors • 100% Project spend in Australia
A VENTIA COMPANY Rheinmetall RHEINMETALL R&T TEAM HITS EARLY MILESTONES Just seven months after launching its first research and development partnerships in Australia, Rheinmetall is making significant gains in the global race to deliver autonomous systems that facilitate trusted human-machine teaming in complex military environments
turned its immediate focus to autonomous systems for military vehicles. This was a natural step for RDA as its 450-strong By Paul Finch team of employees deliver major logistic Director Research and tactical vehicle programs for the and Technology, Commonwealth of Australia including the Rheinmetall Land 121 Phase 3B/5B and the Land 400 Defence Australia Phase 2 program. These programs alone will see more than 3,800 Rheinmetall vehicles deployed across Australia in the next decade. heinmetall has rich history of This builds on a fleet of many thousands developing world-leading military of Rheinmetall military vehicles in service R vehicles and autonomous vehicle with armed forces around the world. systems that ensure its customers world- Traditional autonomous vehicle systems wide are at the leading edge of this exciting have difficulty detecting and classifying new capability. As Germany’s largest complex terrains such as water or Defence company and a Tier One supplier identifying mud that can bog a military of automotive technology globally, ongoing vehicle in cross-country terrain without research and development to deliver this specific human inputs. Rheinmetall aims capability is in our corporate DNA. to prove that Australian research teams can In February this year, Rheinmetall Defence develop the technology advancements today Australia established a dedicated research that will, for example, enable autonomous and technology team in Australia, which vehicle systems to detect water and then
Land Special Edition - 42 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Wiesel Autonomous Combat Warrior
classify that water as a river, lake or puddle increase operational tempo and significantly that can, or cannot be traversed. reduce risk to Australian troops deployed on To deliver this capability, Rheinmetall has operations. It will also help Army move away brought together some of this country’s best from using Xbox video game controllers robotics and autonomous systems minds to operate deployed military autonomous from Defence Science and Technology Group systems and to allow Australian soldiers the (DST Group), the Commonwealth Scientific ability operate in more natural and human and Industrial Research Organisation ways with their machine teammates. (CSIRO), and world leading academic ACW’s work program comprises a number research from the Queensland Institute of of streams where dedicated teams from each Technology (QUT) and the Royal Melbourne partner work with Rheinmetall engineers Institute of Technology (RMIT). Funded across a range of tasks that include: by Rheinmetall and now comprising DST Group and Rheinmetall are developing more than 60 personnel, this team forms an on-vehicle dynamic decision-making the Autonomous Combat Warrior (ACW) system that will fundamentally change the Research and Technology program. way that autonomous systems operate with The ACW program runs over three phases troops in tactical settings. of research and product development. Its CSIRO, QUT and Rheinmetall are developing overarching aim is developing advanced an advanced terrain detection system that sovereign technologies supporting on- will be capable of detecting and classifying vehicle artificial intelligence, perception terrains that are traditionally very technologies and machine learning that will confusing for autonomous systems, such as allow autonomous vehicles to operate with water and mud. Australian troops in tactical environments rather than be operated by Australian troops. CSIRO, QUT and Rheinmetall are Systems developed by the ACW program will developing a vision recognition system allow Army to generate combat mass, to that can recognise and classify human
www.defenceconnect.com.au - 43 - Land Special Edition Rheinmetall
body movements, including gross program and updates to sensors on the body movement and hand gestures to Rheinmetall Mission Master vehicles; enable future autonomous systems the S afer tele-operation mode when ability to safely operate in close proximity operating in close proximity to humans; with troops. R heinmetall-developed vehicle control RMIT University and Rheinmetall are systems, which have advanced control developing an advanced machine learning of engine, transmission, braking and and autonomous systems simulation steering controls; and capability that will be used to train the A German drive-by-wire system, which on-vehicle autonomous systems, can be has been certified for on-road operation used for training soldiers in the operation in military vehicles in Germany. of autonomous systems and for after action analysis and reporting. In the near future, with customer input to Early research is showing great promise capture evolving needs and requirements, and includes the following milestones: Rheinmetall aims to develop autonomous Th e development of a tracked WIESEL systems that are specifically designed to autonomous vehicle; meet a range of military requirements, E stablishing visual detection of several to complement the ongoing upgrade off-road terrains including difficult to of existing platforms. Some of these detect terrains like mud and water; concepts are already in our development pipeline, including: Th e ability to detect, track, identify and classify human behaviors using cameras; Autonomous vehicle swarming including UGV and UAS teams; Th e development of a Rheinmetall “iKit” which allows high bandwidth Cyber-attack resilience; communication between our D rone / parent vehicle teaming; autonomous vehicle and other systems A dditional advances in human-machine fitted to the vehicle. teaming; Integration of various payload systems; and Existing Rheinmetall autonomous systems technology provides a solid foundation F irefighting systems for civil applications. for ACW. Over a number of decades, As these requirements mature, Rheinmetall Rheinmetall’s German and Canadian Defence Australia will involve an increasing operations have developed proven technology range of our Australian industry, research allowing remote control up to full autonomy. and academic partners to develop these Such development is based on a number of generation-after-next autonomous systems research programs into systems including: for tomorrows Australian soldiers. A platform agnostic autonomous kit already integrated with a range of vehicle types and increasing in range and size every year; Brought to you by U pgraded leader/follower and convoy operation modes, driven by developments for the UK’s Remote Patrol Vehicle (RPV)
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PTDefence MODERNISING COMMAND AND CONTROL ON THE BATTLEFIELD Precision Technic Defence is delivering capability on the battlefield that was thought of as only existing in computer games. Real-time situation awareness, augmented reality, and instant sensor to shooter information exchanges will shape the future of command and control on the battlefield
ith over 10 years in business, with the sole purpose to ensure efficiency, Precision Technic Defence has safety, and interoperability. vast experience within the W Precision Technic Defence personnel delivery of turnkey capability around hold decades of military experience and the globe. Our company focuses on the international deployments. delivery of capability to the defence and This, as well as the strong network within law enforcement sector, not as a store and global military and law enforcement forward organisation that does not add agencies, including being a member of value to the products we provide. the Global Special Operations Forces The company strives to build strong and Foundation, ensures that the company can professional relations with our customers advise industry partners, as well as being and partners, through guidance, support, a strong partner for any research and and training throughout the phases of development organisation. the procurement, implementation and With companies situated in Denmark, support of any product or system taking Germany, France, the UK and Australia, into consideration all aspects of the Precision Technic Defence supports fundamental inputs to capability. partners and programs with a global reach. Emerging from a solid foundation of Although we maintain a global footprint, providing EO/IR and sensor-centric our solutions and services are tailored to solutions, Precision Technic Defence the countries our company supports. has created a wide range of systems and The inclusion of the highest level possible individual products, each being unique and of local content is paramount in the work
Land Special Edition - 46 - www.defenceconnect.com.au www.defenceconnect.com.au - 47 - Land Special Edition PTDefence is providing dismounted command and control solutions for combat radio, MANET and UAV systems PTDefence
PTDefence is delivering Augmented Reality solutions that integrate into our dismounted Battlefield Management System
PROVIDING TACTICAL SOLUTIONS we do. In Australia, we underpin this dismounted battlefield management local content with staff that have been and situational awareness to fire teams, www.ptdefence.com serving members of the Australian combat controllers, joint fires and [email protected] Defence Force, veterans with in depth air controllers. understanding of the way the ADF We provide equipment to further enhance conducts its operations in order to these missions with augmented reality, ensure we are not pushing solutions that both day and night, command and do not fill a sovereign capability gap. control of unmanned vehicles including the use of AI, enhanced situational Precision Technic Defence takes awareness through full motion video and a platform approach to delivering tactical data links and positions location solutions by building on a common data in GPS denied areas of operations. architecture that allows the addition or removal of equipment, dependant on the mission being conducted. Brought to you by Through a ‘soldier as a platform’ focus, we have built on the provision of power and data management through a generic architecture to deliver solutions for
Land Special Edition - 48 - www.defenceconnect.com.au PROVIDING TACTICAL SOLUTIONS www.ptdefence.com [email protected] HENSOLDT MULTIFUNCTIONAL SELF PROTECTION SYSTEM [MUSS] “PLATFORM READY” The HENSOLDT MUSS with the lowest advertised SWaP of any Active Protection System (all up weight of 170 kilograms) is truly “Platform Ready” for fitting to the range of wheeled and tracked Armoured Fighting Vehicles in service today
he MUSS passive system sensors successfully when fitted to the Challenger can automatically detect more than 2 main battle tank during the UK Teight threats simultaneously and MEDUSA Project. reacts accordingly, either discounting Primarily a defence against the ATGM, the the threat as a false alarm or dispensing MUSS Missile Warner will detect incoming effective countermeasures in the missile threats by the irradiant plume on forms of IR jamming or visual/thermal launch or from the rocket motor during its obscuration, or both when selected to flight. Once detected, the MUSS jammer do so. MUSS is multi-threat capable of decoys the missile. This is done at a providing protection against a wide range great distance from the platform and as a of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) and consequence there is no collateral damage shields, and warns, both visually and in the local vicinity. The IR jammer is an audibly, against laser-initiated threats infinite/repeatable countermeasure. If a from laser range finders (LRF) and laser laser-initiated threat is detected by the target designators (LTD). The MUSS can laser warner then directionally deployed be designed into the platform’s layered obscuration smoke will instantaneously protection as with the SPz PUMA infantry hide the AFV in both thermal and visual fighting vehicle and fully integrated into view from missile operators and gunners the platform’s BMIS or it can be fitted while at the same time providing a decoy as an applique system with a separate heat source on the ground. The fixed operator controller as demonstrated high angle of the grenade launchers
Land Special Edition - 50 - www.defenceconnect.com.au More than 350 MUSS are in service today with the German Army: SPz PUMA equipped armoured. ©PSM GmbH
and operating distance of the grenades with next-generation systems, such provides a safe operating area around the HENSOLDT SETAS (See, Through, the platform for dismounts. The overall Armour, System), there is possibility of system safety of MUSS is aligning with a situational awareness-specific layer in STANAG 4754. the platform’s protection. As a potent and technically mature in- service system, the MUSS is already SETAS starting to evolve to meet our customer’s The new generation situational requirement for an enhanced MUSS APS awareness system is suitable for all capability to meet emerging challenges. kinds of vehicles, wheeled and tracked, MUSS has a well-defined technology road as an upgrade solution or for newly map, including an advanced laser warner, built vehicles. The system offers human further reduction of SWaP and an target recognition up to 300 metres by increased threat library, which looks to extreme high resolution daylight sensors fill those challenges. MUSS sensor inputs and a detection capability of similar will be used to provide more situational range using un-cooled IR cameras. awareness not only to the host platform SETAS provides continuous 360-degree but also deliver this as part of wider automatic observation for up to eight platform interoperability potentially independent crew members. With up to autonomously. On the platform itself it is 78 degrees of vertical FOV the cameras envisaged that through wider integration pods are installed around the vehicle
www.defenceconnect.com.au - 51 - Land Special Edition HENSOLDT
See Through Armour System (SETAS) - gives armored vehicle crews full situational awareness
to avoid blind spots and generate About HENSOLDT optimised situation awareness (as close HENSOLDT is a pioneer of technology as three metres from the vehicle’s and innovation in the area of defence edge). A fully integrated HMI allows and security electronics. The company, display of the images on HMD, AR- headquartered in Germany, is a leading goggle or mobile display – defined on European provider in the field of sensor customer’s requirement. solutions for defence and non-defence Additional sensors like missile and laser applications. HENSOLDT Australia Pty warner such as MUSS, but also acoustic Ltd is a product solution and services shot detectors, can be implemented provider in the region, and part of the into the SETAS configuration. The open Hensoldt Group of Companies. HENSOLDT system’s architecture complies with Australia is geared to provide through- NGVA and allows easy video integration life support of our wide range of products of different optronic sensors (e.g. EOTS for all our valued regional customers. It is and driver sights) within the existing headquartered in Canberra with a long- battle management system on unique standing relationship with DSTG and an established fleet including large number operator display. Video feed can then be of self-protection solutions on various in- share on the common platform to other service airborne platforms. vehicles in the combat group. Several integrations onto different vehicles and field tests, i.e. in the UK, Brought to you by Finland, Switzerland, showed outstanding performance results and that the MUSS is a “game-changer” capability for the crew.
Land Special Edition - 52 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Wiesel Armoured Weapons Carrier
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legacy.com.au Feature UNABRIDGED INTEGRATION THE AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER OF THE FUTURE Through Defence programs like LAND 125 and LAND 159, the fabric of the Australian Defence Force is changing before our very eyes. Hannah Dowling investigates further
he fabric of the Australian Defence has worked closely both with the ADF Force is literally changing, and is and with the best-in-business overseas Tgoing to continue to do so over the defence partners - including US firearms next decades, likely in ways that are hard manufacturer SIG SAUER, battlefield for most to even comprehend. To understand systems manufacturer Tyr Tactical and more, Defence Connect spoke with Graeme eyewear specialists Oakley, among others Bulte, the founder and managing director of - in order to ensure that it is providing advanced product supplier Aquaterro. the Australian defence sector with the best Aquaterro is a 100 per cent Australian- technological solutions the world has to owned company that provides professional offer. clothing and personal protective equipment “While there are cases of Australian- solutions, as well as a range of small designed and made solutions that actually arms and close combat weapons and are the best in the world, it’s not surprising accompanying supplies for both the that we don’t create the best in the world of Australian Defence Force and Australian everything,” Bulte says. “Compared to other law enforcement agencies. In a sentence, world powers, we have a smaller country, Bulte describes the services performed by a smaller military, a smaller budget, and Aquaterro: “If you’re wearing it, or carrying so on. Yet, we must participate at the it, and going into harm’s way; then that’s highest level of technology and capability what we do.” overmatch in combat operations.” Bulte adds: “It’s a great challenge and With this in mind, Bulte stresses the honour to provide the best capability to importance of collaborating with overseas those men and women on the ground and in counterparts, in order to ensure that harm’s way, and to be able to help them do Australia is providing its defence force with their job, and come home safe.” the epitome of world-class equipment and Over the last nearly three decades, Aquaterro weapons, both now and into the future.
Land Special Edition - 54 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Soldier is Wearing/Carrying/ Equipped with: S&S Precision MANTA Strobe Team Wendy EXFIL (TCH) Ballistic Combat Helmet Peacemaker Helmet Cover TCI Liberator V Communication & ANR Combat Hearing Protection Oakley M-Frame Alpha ballistic and laser protection eyewear SIG SAUER MCX in Combat Rifle 5.56 configuration SIG Romeo4T Red Dot Optic SIG Juliet4 Magnifier SureFire M600 Scout Light Wilcox RAID-X Laser Aiming & Illumination Device Arc’teryx AR Combat Shirt Arc’teryx FR Balaclava Oakley Factory Pilot Operator Glove TYR Tactical Aussie-PICO Combat Body Armour System
The rise of Australian sovereign industrial technologies in the world, understand capability has been a transformative force them and be able to deliver them, and within Australia’s defence industry space make that available to Australia’s defence over the last decade, and more so than ever personnel, law enforcement personnel, and apparent during the last number of years. professionals in harm’s way. The advent of COVID-19, and the effects Then we look at if and where it makes sense this has had on looking at self-sufficiency to participate in the manufacturing, design, of Australian industry, will reverberate development and improvement of those throughout Defence and wider Australian products within Australia. We’re better off industry capabilities for years to come. working together with our allies than trying The challenge of how to access the best to recreate everything, or reinvent the wheel equipment and technology, and keep up with for ourselves over and over and over. That rapid change, is particularly important to doesn’t make any sense.” Australia’s military capability in the modern Through his partnerships, Bulte works geo-political and geostrategic environment. tirelessly to ensure that, when possible, Australia can take this “cutting-edge” How to have our cake and eat it too technology and solutions from overseas, Bulte emphasises how Aquaterro and the and bring it back onshore. “The ability defence industry vies to “have it’s cake” to actually manufacture or assemble and - that is, utilise the best equipment and support that product, in part, or in whole technology the world has to offer, “and eat in Australia is something that is hugely it too” - ensuring maximum Australian beneficial, and also something that our industrial participation, as well as capability partners are extraordinarily supportive of,” enhancement and growth. he says. Bulte explains, “For us, what we’ve been Aquaterro has invested millions over trying to do is look for the absolute best recent years in building facilities and www.defenceconnect.com.au - 55 - Land Special Edition Feature
acquiring manufacturing technology to put the helmet on, go ‘this is great’, and go support this effort. With a brand new, high to work. And that’s what we aim for”. security facility of nearly 5,000 square Bulte notes that Commonwealth has metres, a textile design and manufacturing officially extended Aquaterro’s contract centre, a rapid prototyping centre, 3D under LAND 125 Phase 3B for an additional printing in carbon fibre and CNC advanced two years, following the extraordinary manufacturing, Aquaterro is blurring the success of the program. boundaries between import-distribution and sovereign industrial capability, to create a The future is now: wholly integrated powerful hybrid. systems and technology
Preparing for the future: LAND 159 and When asked about the future of warfighter LAND 125 personal protection equipment and weaponry, Bulte stresses the significance Bulte highlights two current Defence of “integrated systems and technology”. programs that Aquaterro is vying to take In essence, Aquaterro, and a range of other part in, which are set to change and define providers in the defence ecosystem, have the future of Australian defence - LAND been working for decades to provide top-of- 159 and LAND 125. The Lethality System the-line technology solutions that see the Project, or LAND 159, and the Integrated everyday systems that Defence personnel Soldier System Project, or LAND 125 Phase rely upon, work together in an inextricable 4, are two programs that aim to future- network of constant interaction, integration, proof all of the ADF’s human-platform and communication. capabilities, including; weapon systems, “Back in the ’90s, we were working with surveillance systems, field equipment, the ADF to put flotation, hypothermia personal protective gear, as well as training protective and fire-retardant garment and facilities. Bulte says the combination systems onto personnel who are in the back of the two programs are set to “completely of the helicopter on a gun,” he explains. change the way that Australian Defence “We could see early on that the ADF needed Force personnel look, work and operate for its systems” - be that clothing, personal the next 20 years”. protective measures, or equipment - “to Aquaterro was awarded a contract under go together; it has to have the capability to LAND 125 Phase 3B, to provide the ADF with work and integrate together.” new tiered ballistic combat helmets at the “And that was back in the 1990s,” he adds. end of 2016, under which over 40,000 have “So, when you fast forward to the 2020s, now been delivered to ADF personnel across the technical integration of equipment and Navy, Army and Air Force. smart technology that’s involved is orders- Bulte explains, “Those helmets have been of-magnitude more advanced. We’re talking received extraordinarily well, and the project about a whole networked environment on itself is immensely successful. We’re ahead the soldier, on the warfighter.” of budget, we’re ahead of schedule. It’s Bulte describes an intricate system of an incredible piece of safety and personal extensive integration, which encompasses soldier equipment, that’s been better essentially every atom that touches Defence received than any other piece of individual personnel - be that clothing, equipment, equipment in recent memory. They can just or weapons. Each system works in tandem,
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Feature
and is in a state of constant communication with each and every section, of every system, that sits on or near the body of the warfighter - in a manner that almost seems straight out of a science fiction film. Every soldier now carries an entire network of information, that is in a constant state of upload and download, and that sits atop their person at all times. To give an example of how these systems work and connect together, Bulte describes the integrated nature of Aquaterro’s advanced combat ballistic helmet, which, as above, has been welcomed by the ADF under its ongoing future-proofing program, LAND 125. “That helmet is not only a ballistic protective helmet. It’s a platform that’s holding the NFE Mounting system, that is holding the night fighting equipment goggles. Those night fighting equipment goggles are not only a source of data, which is collecting information, seeing what the soldier can see, but it’s also an area where information can be night vision goggles through the smart provided to the soldier.” helmet mounting system back across to the smart battery system which is linked down Through their goggles, the soldier can to their radio, which is sending an encrypted experience a range of “augmented reality” uplink back on through to command and HUD options, which can be “piped in” about the soldier, the environment and from commanders or other personnel on everything else. the battlefield, in addition to i2 and thermal images, or fusion, that can assist their “Now that whole system is all linked to a situational awareness. All of this information power scavenger system, which is powering is of course being transmitted and stored, the night vision goggles and powering available to command and to colleagues. But the radio, it’s encrypting and dealing with that’s not all. the data.” “Now that soldier can see, in their field of On top of all the incredible and intricate view, where all their colleagues are out there systems constrained in that one helmet, in the battlefield. They can see our drone Bulte adds that “this all has to be integrated flying overhead. They are getting information into the body armour in such a way so about their own environment - weather, that it’s not creating a mobility issue for temperature - and on their own health and the soldier. It has to be light, it has to be they’re continuously getting communications adaptable, it has to work”. Ultimately, what back through from the command centre,” looks like your standard military helmet, is Bulte says. “far from just a helmet”. “They’re also piping that information - But today’s smart integration technology everything they can see - back through their stretches far beyond just helmets. “All
Land Special Edition - 58 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Left and Right Soldier is Wearing/ Left Soldier Carrying/Equipped with: SIG SAUER P320X-Carry S&S Precision MANTA Strobe Modular Handgun Team Wendy EXFIL (TCH) Ballistic SureFire XVL2 Compact Light-Laser Combat Helmet Pistol Module Peacemaker Helmet Cover Wilcox G24-L Lightweight NVG TCI Liberator V Communication & Mount ANR Combat Hearing Protection SureFire M300 Scout Light, Mounted Oakley M-Frame Alpha ballistic and on S&S Precision MAX-Mount laser protection eyewear ESS Suppressor Ballistic Eyewear SIG SAUER MCX in Combat Rifle Safariland 7TS ALS Sidearm Holster 5.56 configuration TYR Tactical Huron Hot Weather SIG Romeo4T Red Dot Optic Combat Uniform SIG Juliet4 Magnifier SureFire M600 Scout Light Right Soldier Wilcox RAID-X Laser Aiming & THEON NYX Binocular Night Illumination Device Vision Goggles Arc’teryx AR Combat Shirt Wilcox G24 Standard NVG Mount Arc’teryx FR Balaclava Peacemaker Equipment Pouches Oakley Factory Pilot Operator Glove SureFire SRD07 Dual Light- TYR Tactical Aussie-PICO Combat Laser+ATPIAL System Tape Switch Body Armour System
allies overseas and continue to develop its wholly integrated systems and networks, and exponentially grow its capabilities on and off the battlefield. the equipment that they’re carrying, the rifle that they’re carrying, everything “We have to. We have to be more capable, has this smart technology on it, which is and more dangerous, than the people or the potential adversary who might decide all individually participating in this data to threaten us. And we can’t do that with sharing,” Bulte says. force of numbers, we have to do it with “Then we have the weapon. The weapon our people, with our training, with our itself is now also a high technology device. equipment, all of the highest quality, all It’s mission-adaptable and modular. It’s of which is then supported further by the gathering information. It’s ranging a target. technology and the equipment,” Bulte says. It’s actually providing the GPS location of “We in Australia have to establish ourselves the target; you can now see from a kilometre as a truly integral part of the industrial away. And it’s providing that location GPS capability framework with our allies, data back through to command.” and our battlefield interoperability must According to Bulte, today’s integration be supported by sovereign industrial capacity could just be the tip of the iceberg interoperability. We can no longer either be of what is truly possible: “These capabilities either completely globalist or completely sound futuristic, like science fiction, but isolationist with technology and capability.” really, today, we can put that system With some of the brightest minds and together right now, in fact, that system smartest companies in the world working could have been put together last year, or the together, only time will tell what our year before or the year before that.” future soldiers will be able to achieve He also emphasises that in the future, with the integrated technology systems Australia will continue to work with its of tomorrow. www.defenceconnect.com.au - 59 - Land Special Edition XTEK XTEK WORLD BEST SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY FOR THE SOLDIER
XTEK (ASX:XTE) has been developing new products in Australia to enhance soldier capability and safety which represents best of breed worldwide
Helmet and Targeting System isostatic technology, XTclave, which XTEK’s helmet, protecting against AK-47 applies uniform pressure leading to rounds at muzzle velocity, is now being uniform ballistic performance. launched in the US after extensive testing For a helmet, getting the same ballistic by customers and end users. XTEK’s performance on the top and the sides of XTatlas real-time situational awareness a semi spherical part is unique. XTEK has system, processing video and other sensor designed a rifle helmet, stopping AK-47 data from inexpensive remotely controlled rounds at muzzle velocity using a helmet UAV and UGV sensors, enables slew to shell weighing 1,200 grams. Competitors cue of weapon systems to a target and provide such a stop, at a 200-metre enhances situational awareness to shorten standoff, at which distance an AK-47 is the kill chain using inexpensive assets. not precise enough to be a real threat.
Helmet This performance is very sought after by most defence forces in the Western XTEK has developed a world. Extensive tests done by the US revolutionary process to Department of Defense have confirmed produce ballistic products the performance. Further tests have been like hard armour plates and helmets with successfully completed in Australia. superior characteristics to traditional manufacturing processes, such as axial XTEK brings ‘a world best helmet’, made pressing. It uses a very high-pressure in Australia, to the Australian Defence
Land Special Edition - 60 - www.defenceconnect.com.au Managing director Philippe Odouard (left) and chairman Uwe Boettcher at the ready
Force, which is not presently buying Some additional equipment has also helmets on shore. XTEK has received recently been purchased to significantly two Sovereign Industry Capability increase helmet production over the Grants from CDIC to invest in its factory next few months. in Adelaide and to make large quantities of helmets in Australia. HighCom Armor Solutions Inc – US Acquisition & Factory Facility Manufacturing facility - Adelaide In September 2019, XTEK acquired HighCom Armor Solutions Inc based in XTEK has invested significant funds Columbus, Ohio. HighCom is a leading in a state-of-the-art manufacturing manufacturer and distributor of armour facility located in Adelaide. products, mainly in North America, and The facility was officially opened by has a substantial distribution network XTEK managing director, Philippe in the law enforcement area. Odouard; David Ridgway, Minister for The synergies with XTEK technology Trade and Investment, South Australia; allows the distribution of XTEK helmets and XTEK chairman Uwe Boettcher in and other armour products very quickly February 2020. The new facility will into the world’s biggest market, the US, enable the level of production of armour as law enforcement has a large appetite plates and helmets to be taken to a for products in this space and insists on capacity of around $40 million a year. very fast turnaround times.
www.defenceconnect.com.au - 61 - Land Special Edition XTEK
Homegrown: XTEK opened its new Adelaide manufacturing facility earlier in the year
A new XTclave machine will be installed Comparison tools allow a user to in the factory facility in the US, allowing superimpose the new map over map/ XTEK/HighCom to manufacture this videos stored in a database and analyse technology in the US and therefore bid the differences. for military contracts that impose a The system provides target tracking to US manufacture requirement. register objects with precise co-ordinates and to pass the track to a weapon system Targeting system for prosecution. XTEK has developed an XTEK has also designed and application, XTatlas, which commercialises an array of chemical takes the video stream of and radiation sensors packaged as small unmanned aerial vehicles and SARBI (Sensor and Radiation Broadband processes it using photogrammetry Interface) that, through XTatlas, positions algorithms to provide near real-time the results accurately on a 3D map accurate 2D maps and 3D models. together with the concentration of each substance as a heat map in real time. XTatlas has been sold to military forces for use with UAVs. It is being integrated into vehicles and larger systems, contributing to enhanced situational awareness and shortening the kill chain.
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Land Special Edition - 62 - www.defenceconnect.com.au
XTEK World Best Sovereign Capability for The Soldier.
Helmet and Targeting System
XTEK (ASX:XTE) has been developing new products in
Australia to enhance soldier capability and safety which represents best of breed worldwide.
XTEK helmet, protecting against AK47 rounds at muzzle velocity, is now being launched in the US after
extensive testing by customers and end users.
XTatlasTM is a real time situational awareness system, processing video and other sensor data from inexpensive remotely controlled UAV and UGV sensors. It enables slew to cue of weapon systems to a target and enhances situational awareness to shorten the kill chain using inexpensive assets.
Link to XTatlas: https://www.xtek.net/technology
For more information visit the XTEK website: www.xtek.net
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