Battle Space Communications - Land

Project Overview (taken from http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/esd/jp2072/jp2072.cfm)

Australia's Defence 2000 White Paper 'Our Future Defence Force' identified the requirement to provide communication capabilities that can support Australian operations throughout our territory and our immediate region with increased capacity to support a range of new information systems (Defence White Paper 2000 p. 95, para 8.83). Key enhancements planned include networked communications systems throughout an area of operations, tactical communications for combat units and improved communications network management systems. Essentially improved battlespace communications for air and land force elements is required (Defence White Paper 2000 p. 96, para 8.86)

Project Description

JP 2072 is a joint project to enhance communications for ADF land elements through the development of a holistic battlespace communications system for the land environment. The Battlespace Communications System - Land (BCS(L)) will be developed in a manner compliant with the Defence Architectural Framework and will operate within the Defence Information Environment.

The BCS(L) covers the spectrum of combat net radio (CNR) and trunk communications, which are currently two separate networks, as well as Local Area voice and data systems. Additionally, JP 2072 intends to introduce tactical data distribution systems and tactical communications range extension systems not previously employed in the Australian context.

The goal is to provide the Land Force with a deployable, scalable, secure and integrated BCS(L) offering seamless connectivity across all component systems to meet the existing and emerging information exchange requirements of command support, intelligence, offensive fire, logistics, ground based air defence and sensor-linked weapon systems. The BCS(L) will also provide formation and tactical commanders and their staff with real-time and near-real time access to logistics assets from Army, Navy, Air Force and coalition forces, as shown at Figure 1 below. The project may upgrade existing equipment as well as acquire and integrate new communications equipment.

Figure 1: JP 2072 BCS(L) High Level View

Project Background

JP 2072 has evolved through the amalgamation of similar Land Communications Projects that were to enhance and upgrade trunk and combat net radio communications separately. The purpose of the amalgamation is to ensure that the existing disparate networks evolve to, or are replaced by, one logical network allowing seamless communications between the traditional Combat Radio, Local Area and Trunk environments.

The increase in deployment of digital systems and equipment is also providing a more demanding set of information exchange requirements including video, geospatial data, imagery, collaborative planning tools, distributed databases and real-time messaging. There is an expectation that the transfer of this information will not be inhibited or constrained by limitations in the communications network and that the communications network should evolve in line with the doctrine and tactics that seek to take full advantage of increased situational awareness. The present land communications systems do not have sufficient capacity to support these advanced information-processing requirements.

Therefore, the project aims to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the networks and optimise the network architecture to ensure that Electronic Information Exchange requirements of Command Support, Logistic Support, Intelligence, sensor to weapon and situational awareness systems are met in a timely manner with a capacity to evolve as technologies mature.

An initial study has been conducted to develop the architectural framework for land communications. The study identified capability shortfalls and established a representative model of the BCS(L), shown at Figure 2. The model acknowledges that whilst the BCS(L) can be viewed as one logical network to provide a multiplicity of services, it cannot be provided as a single physical network. Accordingly, the model is broken into a series of sub-systems to reflect these different physical instantiations.

Figure 2: Tactical Communications Systems Model for Land Operations

Project Phases

The phased breakdown of JP 2072 is as follows (indicative only):

Phase 1 (YOD 02/03) will equip a Joint Task Force (JTF), based on a Brigade Group (inclusive of supporting RAAF, LSF and Force-level elements), with a modern digitally based communications system, providing a baseline for the future tactical information exchange system. This involves equipping the JTF with the core elements of a functional BCS(L) - including the provision of modern Combat Radio, Tactical Trunk and the Local Sub-system capabilities that provide an integrated voice and data network. The BCS(L) will provide interfaces between subsystems, external systems (air, maritime, strategic, coalition), and where necessary provide interfaces to remaining legacy systems.

Phase 1 provides a unique opportunity to closely monitor new technologies in a cohesive and mobile operational environment prior to being introduced more widely throughout the ADF. As such, operational and support concepts will be studied from the collection of data in a controlled and 'live' environment. Such data will be used to inform subsequent phases and support the iterative development of the BCS(L).

In Phase 1, the project will also implement risk minimisation activities in support of Phase 2 and subsequent phases. These activities include the conduct of Phase 2 Project Definition Studies (PDS) and Capability Solution Demonstrators (CSD). The PDS are founded on capability options to be developed under Phase 2 while the CSD are founded on demonstrating and understanding, in an Australian tactical context, candidate technologies and architectures suitable for tactical data distribution and tactical range extension.

Phase 2 (YOD 05/06). It is anticipated that Phase 2 will continue the rollout of communications infrastructure to units of the ADF. Additionally, Phase 2 may introduce systems to satisfy the Tactical Data Distribution System (TDDS) requirement and provide for technology refresh of equipment acquired under Phase 1. The Phase 2 infrastructure is to conform to the architecture developed for Phase 1.

Phases 3-5 are aimed at the continued expansion of the BCS(L) in support of Joint Operations. This may include the introduction of real-time Tactical Data Distribution and Tactical Airborne sub-systems. Ongoing mobile architectural development and output from studies conducted in Phases 1 and 2 will provide the basis to inform options for these later phases.

Australian Industry Involvement

JP 2072 offers potential opportunities for Australian Industry to participate through the provision of systems engineering and integration services. The project also seeks to establish in-country support capabilities to reduce maintenance turn-around times.

Acquisition Strategy

The acquisition strategy for JP2072 seeks to leverage advances in Communications and Information Systems (CIS) Technology in order to minimise the period between requirement definition and the introduction of capability. Due to the rapid evolution of CIS technology JP2072 seeks to incrementally introduce available Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) and Military Off The Shelf (MOTS) systems that meet the required functionality to the greatest extent possible. To achieve this, a Prime System Integrator (PSI) contract will be established between the Commonwealth and a PSI to deliver an integrated BCS (L) system solution. The PSI Contract will be awarded through an open tender process, with selection criteria focussed on the PSI's Project Management and System Integration abilities.

It is intended that the PSI and the Commonwealth work collaboratively through the life of the contract, allowing Defence to provide evolving and derived requirements, systems design and policy input. Establishing a Project Review Board will facilitate this.

The objectives of this method of procurement are to:

• Provide for technology insertion and update.
• Involve Industry early in the system engineering process and reduce Industry's tendering costs.
• Introduce elements of the capability to operational units as soon as possible.
• Ensure an appropriate risk share between Defence and Industry.
• Build an integrated system in an incremental and controlled manner to an agreed architecture.

Project Schedule

JP 2072 is planned to have five phases to manage the acquisition and enable incremental access to the latest technology. Phase 1 is approved. Subsequent phases will follow.
 

JP2072 Phase 1	JP2072 Phase 2	JP2072 Phase 3	JP2072 Phase 4	JP2072 Phase 5
2002/03	2005/06	2005/06	2009/10	2010/11

Estimated Phase Expenditure

JP2072 Phase 1 $97.6M
JP2072 Phase 2 $200M ­ $250M
JP2072 Phase 3 $100M ­ $150M
JP2072 Phase 4 $75M ­ $100M
JP2072 Phase 5 $75M ­ $100M