Advanced Navigation, a global leader in assured positioning, navigation, and timing (APNT) technologies, has finalised a deal worth AUD $8.7 million with Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA).
Under the agreement, Advanced Navigation will provide HDA with 138 Boreas D70 units, a strategic-grade digital fibre-optic gyroscope (DFOG) inertial navigation system (INS), for the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) LAND 400 Phase 3 program.
The Boreas D70 units are designed to operate in contested environments where the availability and accuracy of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) cannot be guaranteed, Advanced Navigation said in a media release.
In such situations, inertial navigation systems provide essential guidance, maintaining operational effectiveness by ensuring vehicles retain control and situational awareness.
“As GNSS spoofing grows increasingly prevalent in conflict zones, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems have never been more vital for national security,” said Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw.
“With sovereign control over this critical technology, nations ensure reliable decision-making, strategic autonomy, and heightened combat efficiency in the face of emerging threats and security concerns.”
The LAND 400 Phase 3 program is a key initiative to upgrade the ADF’s armoured vehicle capabilities.
Hanwha Defence Australia has been contracted to deliver 129 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV), ensuring the Australian Army is equipped to handle formidable land challenges while providing soldiers with enhanced protection and mobility.
The total project, valued at approximately AUD $7 billion, marks the Army’s largest investment in its capability to date. Advanced Navigation’s INS will enable these Redback IFVs to achieve high autonomy and resilience without relying on GNSS, enhancing their operational reliability.
Advanced Navigation is one of only four companies worldwide manufacturing strategic-grade FOG components.
Located in New South Wales, the company’s state-of-the-art facility oversees all stages of DFOG development, from design to automated manufacturing, ensuring the highest quality and durability of their navigation systems.
“Advanced Navigation was selected for its superior performance, competitive positioning and ability to deliver high-capacity orders with all-rounded support. This deal underscores our commitment to retaining critical technology within allied nations, and strengthening Hanwha’s ties with the Australian defence industry,” said a Hanwha Defence Australia spokesperson.
The Redback IFVs will be manufactured at Hanwha’s AUD $170 million Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Victoria, further cementing Australia’s position as a leader in defence manufacturing.
The deal aligns with AUKUS, a trilateral defence pact between Australia, the UK, and the US, particularly its Pillar 2, which focuses on integrating advanced technologies for security and defence.
PNT capabilities have been recognised as essential to national security and are featured on the White House’s 2024 list of Critical and Emerging Technologies.
“Our collaboration with Hanwha and investment in dual-use PNT solutions will expand our global footprint and enhance economic development,” Shaw noted.
“Dual-use technologies, with both military and commercial applications, are essential for maintaining operational resilience while further building the industrial capacity Australia needs,” he concluded.
