The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has expanded its satellite communications capabilities through a AUS$221 million contract with Inmarsat, bringing Inmarsat’s satellite services into broader operational use across the Defence Force.
Under this arrangement the ADF operates as a virtual satellite operator, allowing Defence to directly manage and allocate satellite resources. Inmarsat reports that the arrangement has improved operational efficiency by up to 300% while reducing operating costs by approximately 70% in relevant deployments.
Brigadier Gregory Novak, Commander of the ADF’s Defence Strategic Communications Branch, said:
“Inmarsat has supported ADF satellite communications requirements at home and overseas for over 30 years. This partnership has increased our capability to support wide-ranging ADF operations and provide greatly improved quality of life services for our deployed people.”
The AUS$221 million contract extension guarantees that the ADF will retain access to Inmarsat’s satellite connectivity for at least the coming decade, ensuring continuity for operations and personnel services.
Todd McDonell, President of Global Government at Inmarsat, commented:
“The Australian Defence Force is known the world over for its capability, reliability, and the ability to get the job done regardless of the challenges encountered. Inmarsat has always been and continues to be committed to the same high-quality standards to which the ADF holds itself. Inmarsat’s services supporting the ADF across the Army, the Royal Australian Navy, and the Royal Australian Air Force can be relied on at any latitude, longitude, and altitude.”
What began as a modest agreement in 2017 has evolved into a much deeper collaboration. The ADF now uses Inmarsat’s full Managed Service, a comprehensive suite designed to meet Defence operational needs.
The full Inmarsat Managed Service provided to the ADF includes:
- Access to the Operational Monitoring and Control System (OMCS), which enables Defence to act as a virtual satellite operator, independently assigning and monitoring bandwidth across its fleet in real time.
- A Crew Quality of Life system that delivers bandwidth for welfare services on deployed ships; this has contributed to significant savings and increased crew morale and operational efficiency.
- Provisioned hardware and integrated software.
- 24/7 service and technical support.
- Training programmes for personnel.
- Leasing arrangements for equipment and services.
- Operational and safety data services to support missions.
- Defence Restricted Network Access for secure communications.
Central to the service is the Operational Monitoring and Control System (OMCS), a dedicated management software suite developed over the last three years specifically around defence requirements.
OMCS provides a fully sovereign virtual satellite operations centre for the ADF. Through OMCS, Defence personnel can allocate bandwidth resources, monitor usage, and implement operational adjustments in real time to meet changing mission demands.
The OMCS component of the contract will now move into a “sustainment and enhancement” phase, scheduled to run through 2027 to ensure ongoing updates, support, and capability improvements.
(Image Credit: Inmarsat)
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