Advanced Navigation has finalised an A$8.7 million deal with Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA). Under the deal, Advanced Navigation will supply HDA with 138 Boreas D70 units, a strategic-grade digital fibre-optic gyroscope (DFOG) inertial navigation system (INS), as part of the LAND 400 Phase 3 program.
This dual-use technology is particularly valuable in contested environments where the accuracy or availability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) cannot be guaranteed. In such situations, inertial navigation becomes the sole source for directional guidance, providing vehicles with the independent control, situational awareness and positioning critical to staying operational.
“As GNSS spoofing grows increasingly prevalent in conflict zones, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems have never been more vital for national security,” said Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw. “With sovereign control over this critical technology, nations ensure reliable decision-making, strategic autonomy, and heightened combat efficiency in the face of emerging threats and security concerns.”
The LAND 400 Phase 3 program is a significant undertaking aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) armoured vehicles. HDA is contracted to deliver 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) to ensure the Australian Army can respond to formidable land challenges, while providing high-level protection and mobility for soldiers. The total value of the project is approximately AUD $7 billion dollars, representing the single largest investment in Army capability to date.
According to HDA, the Redback vehicles are advanced fifth-generation IFVs, developed specifically for Australian requirements while utilising the latest technology. The integration of Advanced Navigation’s INS enables these vehicles to achieve unprecedented levels of autonomy and resilience without the aid of GNSS.
Advanced Navigation is one of only four companies in the world to manufacture strategic-grade FOG components. Located in New South Wales, the company’s high-tech robotics facility adopts a vertical integration framework, covering all phases of photonics and DFOG development – from design and quality testing to automated manufacturing. This approach improves quality control and guarantees the delivery of reliable, durable and high-quality navigation systems that are sensitive enough to detect the earth’s rotation.
HDA’s deal with Advanced Navigation not only showcases Australia’s sophisticated sovereign manufacturing capabilities to defence primes worldwide, it also demonstrates Australia’s resilient supply chain and potential to become a major global exporter.
“Advanced Navigation was selected for its superior performance, competitive positioning and ability to deliver high-capacity orders with all-rounded support. This deal underscores our commitment to retaining critical technology within allied nations, and strengthening Hanwha’s ties with the Australian defence industry,” an HDA spokesperson said.
The fleet of HDA Redback vehicles will be manufactured in the AUD $170 million Hanwha Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) facility, in Victoria.
The UK, Australia and the United States have agreed to a trilateral defence and security partnership to help sustain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, known as AUKUS. Pillar 2 of the agreement focuses on developing a range of advanced capabilities to foster deeper integration of security and defence-related science, technology, industrial bases and supply chains. Furthermore, PNT capabilities have been recognised by The White House Office of Science and Technology on its 2024 list of Critical and Emerging Technologies.
Advanced Navigation’s success can be attributed to its cutting-edge developments in photonic sensing which give its INS an edge in performance and reliability over comparable systems. Pairing this dual-use technology with HDA’s advancements in vehicle combat further strengthens Australia’s position as an emerging hub for critical technologies, while addressing AUKUS Pillar 2.
“Our collaboration with Hanwha and investment in dual-use PNT solutions will expand our global footprint and enhance economic development,” said Shaw. “Dual-use technologies, with both military and commercial applications, are essential for maintaining operational resilience while further building the industrial capacity Australia needs.”
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