Defence cancels Satellite Communications System

The federal government has unexpectedly axed what was an iconic project to deliver an Australian Defence Satellite Communications System that would provide the ADF with a sovereign military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) system.

Project JP9102 was to have been delivered by prime contractor Lockheed Martin Australia, with the company bringing in a growing number of local SMEs to work with it including Quickstep Holdings, Crystalaid, Ferra, Nupress, Cablex, Lovitt, and Levett.

It was to have provided the next generation sovereign satellite communication component of the Australian Defence SATCOM System, with the cancellation sure to cause difficulties for SMEs which have invested in preparing for JP9102.

The cancellation is the the second of a major space programme by the Albanese government, and follows the axeing of the the $1 billion National Space Mission for Earth Observation (NSMEO) project.

The NSMEO project was a victim of a requirement from Treasury for the Department for Industry and Science to make a big cut to its expenditure.

The latest cancellation was announced in a bland media statement from the Department of Defence made in response to media speculation.

Defence said: “In 2021, Defence went out to tender for a Defence owned and operated Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite communications system.

“With the acceleration in space technologies and evolving threats in space since the project’s commencement, Defence has assessed that a single orbit GEO-based satellite communications system would not meet strategic priorities.

“As such, Defence has decided to cease its current procurement activity with Lockheed Martin Australia for a single orbit GEO-based satellite communications system. Lockheed Martin Australia continues to be a highly valued industry partner, supporting Defence’s requirements for contemporary and future capability demands.

“Instead of a single orbit solution, Defence must instead prioritise a multi-orbit capability increasing resilience for the Australian Defence Force.”

The statement said that Defence’s current satellite communications capabilities supported the immediate needs of the organisation.

“This decision allows Defence to prioritise emerging needs, mitigate capability gaps and continue to support our transition to an integrated, focused force.”

Defence Minister Richard Marles has as yet issues no statement on the cancellation.

Further reading:
Lockheed Martin muscles up local defence
The importance of space technology in Australia

Picture: Lockheed Martin Australia