The Australian government has selected Lockheed Martin Australia and Northrop Grumman Australia for the next stage of its Joint Air Battle Management System procurement program.
The two companies will be proceeding to the final stage of the competitive evaluation process for the JBAMS, which will form the architecture at the core of the Australian defense forces’ future integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) capability.
“The Morrison government’s $2.7 billion investment in a sovereign Joint Air Battle Management System will deliver a critical capability to defend against increasingly advanced air and missile threats,” Australian defense minister Peter Dutton said.
Boeing Defence Australia and Raytheon Australia also participated in the first stage of the competitive evaluation process, and will continue to be involved in developing the Joint Air Battle Management System and supporting the IAMD program, the defense ministry said.
“Through the competitive evaluation process, Australian industry has demonstrated its versatility and adaptability to provide innovative proposals in the challenging field of Integrated Air and Missile Defence.
“The Joint Air Battle Management System will connect our ships, aircraft and other capabilities together in a way that multiplies their defensive power,” defense industry minister Melissa Price added.
“I look forward to seeing the advanced technical solutions and prototypes that will be developed as these companies refine their final offering for the Joint Air Battle Management System.”
The successful strategic partner for the Joint Air Battle Management System is expected to be announced in late 2023.
