Boeing Defense Australia wins comms upgrade contract

Australia has awarded Boeing Defense Australia a 665 million Australian dollar contract ($460 million) to develop a new digital communications system.

The program "will replace aging mobile communication systems and computer networks, providing leading-edge digital wideband voice, data and video services over wireless and wired infrastructure," said a Ministry of Defense announcement. The new systems will support operational headquarters and enable access to Australian strategic networks. Initial operational capability is scheduled for 2017, followed by full capability in 2020.

Harris Communications Australia and GH Varley will be subcontractors.

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