$133 million sustainment contract to bolster ADF air ops

The Australian government is investing up to $133.6 million over five years in command and control capabilities to support Australian Defence Force air operations. The recent signing of a sustainment contract with Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR) will deliver critical integration enhancements to the Air and Space Operations – Command and Control System (ASO-C2CS), which allows Defence personnel to plan and conduct air operations. The enhancements will focus on an electronic information management system, which enables superior decision-making and force integration, by providing critical information in complex airborne missions. The contract consolidates existing sustainment activities for the ASO-C2CS, streamlining Australia’s ability to govern, assure and expedite the delivery of this critical capability and maintaining an estimated 60 jobs. Defence’s diverse and specialised aviation workforce across Navy, Army and Air Force will directly benefit from the ASO-C2CS systems and the enhanced, timely and accurate delivery of mission-critical information. Colonel Darren Moore, Acting Assistant Secretary Joint C4 Systems, said: “I’m delighted to announce this new $133 million contract with Kellogg Brown and Root. The 2024 Defence Strategic Review highlighted the need to streamline delivery processes to achieve minimum viable product. This contract will enhance capability and reduce the complexity in delivering essential mission support products to the Australian Defence Force. This contract highlights the Australian Government’s commitment to providing the Australian Defence Force with the superior capabilities it needs to maintain operational advantage over potential adversaries. Capabilities such as the Air and Space Operations – Command and Control Capability System will help the Australian Defence Force support aviation assets against threats to Australia and our national interests.” “KBR has for more than two decades, supported the development, delivery and evolution of critical data-centric technologies that provide commanders with real-time situational awareness, enabling informed decision making,” said Nic Maan, KBR Australia Defence and Security Solutions. “I am pleased that KBR will be supporting the ADF’s Air and Space Operations with the sustainment of critical mission planning capabilities. Ensuring these capabilities are reliable and work cohesively together will enable faster, more informed decision making for operators, ultimately supporting the ambition of an integrated force.” The ASO-C2CS comprises three core elements which KBR will support – Mission Planning Systems, Air Resource and Scheduling and Electronic Flight Bag. Together, these systems provide critical decision-making information for complex airborne missions to be efficiently planned and executed. In addition, ADF Operational Units across Australia will benefit from a team of highly qualified KBR Field Service Representatives who will provide training and support, ensuring that operators leverage the full capabilities of the systems.  For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]