Australian Department of Defense,
Greg Combet, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, today announced that following a successful operational test program, Australia is receiving operational capability from the Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) Communications system.
“This provides Australia with access to a world-leading communications capability in terms of coverage, operational flexibility and bandwidth,” Mr Combet said.
“Australia will incrementally receive more capability as satellites are added to the constellation leading to full capability in 2013.
“The Wideband Global Satellite Communications system supports wideband military satellite communications services to a diverse community of mobile, transportable, and fixed users.
“The system supports a variety of networks that include broadcast, hub-spoke, netted, and point-to-point connections,” Mr Combet said.
Access to this capability will enable the next generation of military capabilities, such as Air Warfare Destroyers, Amphibious Ships, Multi-mission Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Land Platforms to operate in a network centric environment.
“The capability is realised through a partnership with the US Department of Defense,” Mr Combet said.
“Under this partnership, Australia has funded one satellite plus associated ground infrastructure to extend the constellation to six satellites, with the US providing funds for the remaining five.
“This new partnership further strengthens the Australia-US alliance. In particular, it will enhance the interoperability between Australian and US defence forces,” Mr Combet said.
