The agreement will see CyberOps build a “world-class” cyber testing and training facility in South Australia that will educate hundreds of people.
It will also provide the ability to test new space hardware and services and a simulation environment allowing space operators and cyber practitioners to develop and hone their skills.
CyberOps director Derek Grocke said its developments will likely be subsequently applied to other earth-based projects.
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“What we develop for space can often be used in the areas of cyber and information warfare more generally, so we’re able to enhance the security posture of Australia’s critical infrastructure more broadly,” Grocke said.
Deputy Premier of South Australia and Minister of Defence and Space Industries Susan Close said, “Boasting significant research and industry capability in both sectors, South Australia is well-placed to lead the emerging body of work in the intersection between space and cyber.”
It comes after Space Connect reported earlier this year how Lockheed Martin won the $3 billion JP 9102 government contract to deliver a new military satellite communication capability for Australia.
The global prime beat off competition from other major contractors, including Boeing, Northrop Grumman Australia, and Optus.
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The deal is arguably the most significant in the history of Australia’s space sector, with its goal of reducing the country’s reliance on the United States and its military assets.
Lockheed Martin’s position as “preferred tenderer” means it will now progress to the next stage of the Defence procurement process, which includes engaging in collaborative tender clarification and improvement activities.
Lockheed Martin’s bid included working with a consortium including Linfox, Shoal Group, Ronson Gears, and Clearbox Systems.
It also pledged to give small, local satellite missions an opportunity to rideshare on the SATCOM launch vehicle into space.
“We are excited to work with the Australian Defence Force and Australian industry to develop a robust solution for JP 9102,” said Robert Lightfoot, executive vice-president for Lockheed Martin Space.
“We are bringing to bear all of Lockheed Martin’s companywide capabilities as well as our commitment to supporting allied nations to provide an operationally proven system that meets mission needs in terms of coverage, capacity, resilience, and extensibility of the constellation.”
Adam Thorn
Adam is a journalist who has worked for more than 40 prestigious media brands in the UK and Australia. Since 2005, his varied career has included stints as a reporter, copy editor, feature writer and editor for publications as diverse as Fleet Street newspaper The Sunday Times, fashion bible Jones, media and marketing website Mumbrella as well as lifestyle magazines such as GQ, Woman’s Weekly, Men’s Health and Loaded. He joined Momentum Media in early 2020 and currently writes for Australian Aviation and World of Aviation.
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