Carl Johnson, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector, said the goal is to offer Australia a fully capable, cost-effective solution.

"We want to include command- and-control functionality, exploitation of Global Hawk data and complete interoperability among Australian forces and with U.S. assets in the one package," he said.

"We also want to include these key companies in evolving a total support program for the Australian Global Hawk system, including through-life support."

The Global Hawk cooperation will involve the following industries:

Tenix Defence, Australia's leading defense and technology contractor, develops, supplies and installs systems involved in surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, simulation, hydrography and computer security.

Tenix Defence's CEO, Robert Salteri, is particularly excited that Australian industry has been given the opportunity to explore this new technology alongside a recognized market leader.

"By working together, Tenix Defence and Northrop Grumman have the opportunity to benefit from the other's skill sets and, in doing so, enhance our respective abilities," said Salteri.

Saab Systems is a leader in command-and-control systems integration and will seek to leverage expertise from its other land- and sea-based programs.

Managing Director Merv Davis commented, "This project presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the specialized skills and fits well with our business model of forming quality partnerships for high-technology systems solutions. Saab Systems has previously worked with Northrop Grumman and is keen to continue."

L-3 Integrated Systems recently completed a total systems upgrade for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) fleet of P-3 aircraft, which included aircraft modification, mission system upgrade and the ground-based mission support systems, located at RAAF Base Edinburgh.

Robert Drewes, president of L-3 Communications Integrated Systems said, "L-3 Integrated Systems has enjoyed a successful partnership over the last decade with the RAAF. "Today's announcement further emphasizes our commitment by bringing together the total capabilities necessary to provide a comprehensive ground-based environment for the Global Hawk."

Ian White, managing director of L-3 Communications Australia added, "We look forward to being a part of the Australian industry team to ensure the ground-based system is optimized to meet the ADF's unique current and emerging future requirements."

The Global Hawk team effort will be based in South Australia to provide access to leading-edge industrial, academic and scientific resources. "Adelaide is well suited to be the center for our developments," noted Northrop Grumman's Carl Johnson.

"Australia's maritime patrol aircraft operate from RAAF Base Edinburgh and Defence Science and Technology Organisation is near by. RAAF Edinburgh hosted the Global Hawk demonstrations and deployment in 2001."

Under Project AIR 7000, the Australian government intends to acquire a UAV system capable of performing multiple roles and supporting a wide range of military and civil missions.

Global Hawk is a strong candidate to meet the Australian needs, offering unparalleled capability to detect land and maritime targets to support a wide range of civil and military operations.

As the ground environment study progresses, the team will seek additional capabilities from Australian industry, particularly small- and medium-enterprise firms in defense and information technology.

Northrop Grumman will also leverage its United States supplier team for Global Hawk to aid in the ground systems development, to include: Raytheon Corporation, which provides sensor and ground systems, and Rolls Royce for the engine on the U.S. Air Force's Global Hawk.

Related Links
Northrop Grumman
L-3 Communications Integrated Systems
Tenix Defence
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express