Australia’s computing evolutionary digital ground environment (C4 EDGE) consortium has successfully tested a mobile, tactical communications system prototype.
C4 EDGE is comprised of 31 local small-to-medium sized businesses.
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According to the Australian Department of Defence (DoD), the mobile tactical communications system is designed for use within the Australian Army.
Australia Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said: “Critical defence capabilities, such as mobile tactical radio communication systems, will be designed and manufactured locally.
“This will greatly improve supply chain resilience.”
The demonstration was conducted at the Majura range in the ACT this week and featured simulated battlefield conditions for new radios and related equipment.
This demonstration was followed by a static display at Russell Offices.
Minister Price added: “Stimulating growth in Australia’s defence communications industry capacity is a priority for the Morrison government.”
The C4 EDGE initiative aligns with Australia’s advanced signal processing and information warfare sovereign industrial capability priorities.
It supports the development of the sovereign tactical communications industry and helps to future-proof against evolving threats.
Despite the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19, C4 EDGE has achieved all of its contracted milestones.
C4 EDGE outcomes are expected to advance the Australian Army’s understanding of future communications projects’ needs.
The DoD stated that C4 EDGE formed part of the ‘economic stimulus investment initiatives’ which were agreed at the expenditure review committee last year.
In December 2020, the Australian government agreed to provide extra support for the final phase of a C4 EDGE programme that involves delivering military communications prototype systems.
