The Royal Australian Navy’s first three HUNTER class frigates will be fitted with Rohde & Schwarz’ NAVICS communications technology under a contract with BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA). NAVICS will be the central nervous system of the HUNTER frigate’s communications system, providing integrated and reliable internal and external communications and the processing classified information, within a multi-level security environment.

As the company’s literature highlights, NAVICS is a turnkey solution for all naval vessel classes that provides reliable, secure, resilient and operationally proven voice and data communications. NAVICS is a complete naval communications system, where all subsystems interact seammlessly to form the NAVICS ecosystem. These include voice and data, cybersecurity, onboard networks, communications control, mobile communications, and external communications

Future Warfare Magazine (FW MAG) offers some insights directly from Rohde & Schwarz Australia Managing Director Gareth Evans.

FW MAG: What was your understanding of the Australian requirement, and how did NAVICS respond to the specifications?

Gareth Evans: It was the desire of the prime contractor BAE Systems and the customer (The Commonwealth of Australia) to use in so far as possible the same systems and equipment on HUNTER as those currently being provided for the UK’s Type 26 frigate program. As we incorporate Rohde & Schwarz Australia into the existing strategic partnership with BAE Systems, we can deliver on this project but also for any future large naval programs that may be shared between the UK and Australia. Nonetheless, the NAVICS Multi-Level Security IP based architecture delivers the flexibility and scalability necessary to meet Australia’s sovereign needs even within a collaborative framework.

FW MAG: Can you elaborate on the collaboration with local defence industry companies? How will R&S presence in Australia evolve?

Gareth Evans: Rohde & Schwarz has operated in Australia for more than 40 years, establishing a sovereign integrated communications system (ICS) and service delivery capability in Australia. This has been further enhanced through technology and knowledge transfer from its parent company in Germany. Already, local workforce has doubled to deliver on engineering services for the design and manufacture of the ICS and will continue to grow with support of the HUNTER program. The company will work closely with BAE Systems Maritime Australia (BAESMA) to maximize opportunities for Australian industry to assist in the manufacture, integration, testing, and commissioning of the ICS. At this stage, Rohde & Schwarz Australia has already engaged a local supplier to provide systems safety expertise and is continuing to assess Australian industry for opportunities to further grow local industry engagement.

FW MAG: Can you provide some details on the roadmap you are working at?

Gareth Evans: Australia purchased a reference ship design based on the Type 26 Global Combat Ship, which was modified to suit specific operational needs of the Royal Australian Navy. Currently, Rohde & Schwarz Australia is maturing the design for Batch 1. As the country wants a resilient ship capable of fighting (and possibly winning) in the complex Pacific scenarios, it is envisaged that the ICS design for HUNTER Class Frigate will evolve to meet future needs of the Royal Australian Navy and to address the demand to maintain leading edge capability over time. FW MAG: Will this order trigger a further evolution of NAVICS? Gareth Evans: NAVICS has been already enhanced to meet Australian needs. For instance, Australian ships will need modifications to optimize interoperability with other agencies and with the nation’s strategic military partners. By the way, we are working continuously to support evolutionary defence capability for the Navy, as well as to help with test and evaluation, certification and systems assurance. All this contributes to the continuous enhancement of NAVICS’ capabilities.

FW MAG: Thank you for your insights!

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