Northrop Grumman Australia has successfully completed the demonstration of a sovereign, fifth-generation Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS) for the AIR6500 Program Office in the Department of Defence.
The system, which is expected to serve the Australian Defence Force, showcased its modular, open systems architecture that utilises a US all-domain command and control (C2) architecture for genuine risk reduction to the future AIR6500 capability.
This system’s architecture enables the joint force to utilise current and evolving platforms, accelerate decision-making, and immediately respond to a threat.
Furthermore, JABMS is designed to connect sensors and effectors across domains with the ability to optimise responses and operate within a broader C2 functionality.
Christine Zeitz, general manager of Northrop Grumman Asia Pacific, said the company has deployed significant measures over the last year to reduce key risks to delivering the proposed JABMS solution.
Northrop’s demonstration simulated several real-time operational scenarios to showcase command and control functions. The audience also had a complete overview of the battleship.
According to Northrop, the air show validated its agile delivery approach and capability to integrate Australian sovereign capabilities into the JABMS solution rapidly.
“We have brought the best-of-breed technology from our all-domain C2 program of record and engineered a truly sovereign, Australian JABMS capability,” said Mary Petryszyn, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Defense Systems.
“This technology is relevant now and will continue to be relevant into the future, providing an effective and enduring defensive capability to Australia and its allies.”
Northrop Grumman Australia is among the shortlisted companies selected to participate in Australia’s AIR6500 Competitive Evaluation Process, for the design, development, and delivery of the JABMS.
The successful contractor for the JABMS is expected to be announced in late 2023, Northrop said in a media statement.
