ADF selects Blacktree for UHF satcom support

Blacktree Technology has been selected to support the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Narrowband – Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communication (SATCOM) System in an A$36 million five-year sustainment contract. The Narrowband Systems Support Contract (NSSC) is a full-scope sustainment agreement incorporating all of the constituent functions required to sustain the UHF SATCOM system which provides narrowband voice and data SATCOM services in support of ADF missions. The NSSC has been procured by the Department of Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and will support Network Control sites and ancillary services. Blacktree Technology Managing Director Joe Nevin said the contract was a win for both Blacktree Technology and the highly capable sovereign defence industry. “The awarding of the NSSC recognises the world-leading sovereign capability within Australian industry, and will further support and develop Australian Industry Capability (AIC) through our local regional supply chain,” Nevin said. “The NSSC will directly involve over 20 Blacktree team members, including a number of ADF veterans, who will support a range of activities and the work will see the expansion of both our Canberra and Perth offices. The contract will also engage the support of a range of specialist subcontractors, providing other Australian businesses with the opportunity to work on an advanced military satellite communications system. The NSSC supports several of the components delivered under the JP2008 Phase 5A program, which provides narrowband voice and data SATCOM services for the ADF. The system is a critical capability used in military operations, and also to support the ADF in the Australian Government’s response to natural disasters.” Nevin said that Blacktree will take full ownership of the NSSC from 1 July 2022. Blacktree is also participating in the tender process for the High Mobility Mission System (HMMS), a core component of the JP9102 Australian Defence Satcom. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]