Australia’s Albanese government: Cancels procurement of communications satellites from Lockheed
・The Australian government will focus defense investments on the navy
・Criticism from the media, security officials, and industry
Summary from an article published in Grandfleet.
Australia’s Albanese government:
On November 4th, it announced that it would cancel plans to procure communications satellites from Lockheed.
Criticism has been raised from the Australian media, security officials, and industry.
If the Australian government does not show investment prospects for the space sector, companies will withdraw from Australia.
Contract with Lockheed Martin:
Lockheed Martin has already signed a military communications satellite contract (AUD 7 billion) with the Australian military in 2023.
Australian military’s judgment:
US military WGS is insufficient:
Seven countries (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands) are members of the US military’s Wideband Global SATCOM.
1. However, WGS cannot meet the communications needs of unmanned forces.
2. In addition, military communications satellites capable of high-volume, high-speed communications are needed.
Australia has already adopted JP9102/SATCOM:
However, on the 4th, the Albanese government announced that it would “cancel JP9102,” attracting attention.
1. Lockheed Martin proposed JP9102/SATCOM in collaboration with Boeing and Airbus.
2. Australia’s Optus Teams AUSSAT (RTX, Thales, Mitsubishi Electric) also participated in the bidding.
In the end, Lockheed Martin won the bid, beating out Australia’s Optus Teams AUSSAT.
Australian Department of Defence’s decision to cancel JP9102:
1. With advances in space technology and the evolution of threats in outer space, single-orbit, geostationary satellites cannot meet the requirements.
2. Multi-orbit capabilities need to be prioritized to improve satellite communications and resilience.
3. He explained that the current system can cover satellite communications needs for the time being.
Australian reports:
The Australian criticized the government’s decision.
1. The Albanese government reported that it would cancel the procurement of military communications satellites (AUD 7 billion) due to lack of funds.
2. The Australian Space Industry Association also stated that “space development capabilities are essential to ensure military superiority.”
Australian Strategic Policy Institute: Malcolm Davis
He responded to Breaking Defense’s interview as follows.
1. If JP9102 is canceled, Australia needs a replacement plan.
2. If there is no replacement plan, Australia will become dependent on other countries for space technology.
Australia has canceled defense plans to raise funds for AUKUS and naval forces.
The Australian Department of Defence has not explained “what new multi-orbit capabilities it is pursuing.”
Companies expected to participate in the JP9102/SATCOM program:
Lockheed Martin is planning to produce communications satellites for the Australian military,
with many Australian companies expected to participate.
Inovor Technologies,
EM Solutions,
AV-Comm, Linfox,
Shoal Group, Ronson Gears,
Calytrix Technologies, Conscia,
Clearbox Systems, DXC, Blacktree Technology
The cancellation of JP9102 will have a major impact on Australian industry.