Boeing, BMT conduct successful test of locally developed maritime communications system
8 February 23
The Maritime Warfighter Network, developed from Boeing’s integrated battlespace telecommunication network, is expected to enhance the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet connectivity and joint force capabilities.
The recent test served to validate the MWN’s networking and management software, which Boeing explains includes meshed broadband line-of-sight radios and both wired and wireless connectivity to shore, dubbed NINShore.
It further trialled the system’s strategic connectivity and resilience as required by the ADF’s Joint Black Core Network.
“Together, we demonstrated the system’s high-level technical and operational capabilities, designed to provide scalable, distributed data services to the Australian Defence Force (ADF),” Murray Brabrook, director Joint Systems, Boeing Defence Australia, said.
“The maturity of our technology will ensure the shortest path to a minimal viable product and provide sovereign control to evolve the network in line with Navy’s emerging needs.”
Under the partnership, BMT utilised its pedigree in the maritime domain to assess hardware suitability and provide essential operator feedback.
“Having supported similar projects across the entire Australian naval fleet, we are experts at integrating complex systems into maritime platforms that will stand up to the rigours of sea deployment,” said Graeme Nayler, regional business director, APAC, BMT.
“Our work in supporting the capability life cycle and managing system integration across the maritime domain is absolutely critical to ensuring we provide a resilient, evolvable communications system that supports the Navy’s ability to maintain a warfighting edge.”
Additional test and integration trials are scheduled for the coming year, with the companies hoping to continue maturing and de-risking the system.
Source: Defence Connect