Rohde & Schwarz Supplies NAVICS for Austal-Built Australian Border Force Patrol Vessels

Key Takeaways

Rohde & Schwarz Australia and Austal Ships have finalized an agreement for integrated communication systems on new patrol boats for the Australian Border Force.
The NAVICS system will upgrade communication capabilities with advanced IP-based security features.
This collaboration reinforces Rohde & Schwarz’s established role in defense communications integration in Australia.

Partnership Enhances Border Patrol Capabilities

Rohde & Schwarz Australia has entered a definitive agreement with Austal Ships for the delivery and integration of NAVICS, an advanced communications system, on the first two Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boats (ECCPB) for the Australian Border Force (ABF). These vessels, under construction at Austal’s Henderson shipyard in Western Australia, aim to bolster the ABF’s operational capabilities.

Charles Nuttall-Smith, Head of Maritime Domain at Rohde & Schwarz Australia, highlighted the ongoing partnership with Austal, noting that their collaboration has previously delivered eight NAVICS-equipped boats for the Royal Australian Navy. The latest vessel, ADV Cape Hawke, was launched on September 19, 2025.

The NAVICS system, based on Rohde & Schwarz’s proprietary voice-over-IP technology, is set to transform the onboard communication capabilities of ABF’s patrol boats. It will implement a modern, IP-based Multi-Level Security architecture, providing robust and secure communications across various operational domains.

Gareth Evans, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Australia, emphasized the company’s extensive experience as a communications system integrator (CSI). He pointed out that their role in the ECCPB project, along with their involvement in the Hunter Frigate Program, underscores the growth of Australia’s sovereign communications design and integration capabilities. He noted, “The selection of Rohde & Schwarz Australia as CSI for the ABF is clear validation of the Commonwealth’s continued belief and investment in our capability.”

With a legacy spanning over 40 years in Australia, Rohde & Schwarz has built a significant sovereign CSI and service delivery capability. Evans expressed pride in their history of delivering high-performance systems to clients in Australia and the broader region.

Brent Carey, Head of Strategic Supply Chain at Austal Defence Australia, underscored the strength of the partnership with Rohde & Schwarz, stating that their long-standing collaboration enhances the capability to deliver advanced navigation and communication systems. He highlighted the importance of leveraging expertise to ensure reliability and performance, affirming their commitment to creating effective defense solutions together.

Overall, this cooperation not only strengthens operational capabilities for the Australian Border Force but also reinforces the enduring relationship between two key players in Australia’s defense sector, promising continued innovation and success in the future.

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