With a contract to information technology company Leidos for sustaining a command-and-control system, Australia has made an important step towards ensuring it can deploy its armed forces to greatest operational effect.
The contract covers support for the Air Component Command and Control Capability System (AC-C2CS), the cornerstone of the Australian Defence Force’s command and control of the air (air C2).
In considering the future of the Royal Australian Air Force’s air capabilities, there’s an understandable tendency for the debate to move straight to discussing aircraft. In particular, the discussion quickly focuses on the roles of F-35A Lightnings in air combat operations, alongside F/A-18F Super Hornets, E/A-18G Growlers and, in the future, uncrewed aircraft such as the Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat.
But air C2 is also a vital element of the ADF’s ability to gain and maintain control of the air, conduct strikes, support coalition forces and ensure situational awareness. As part of a broader multi-domain joint and integrated command and control system, it is the brains and nervous system of a complex operational capability to coordinate and direct air operations effectively. Without air C2, the RAAF’s combat effectiveness, including its advanced air combat platforms, would be vastly diminished, with no ability to coordinate complex and fast-moving operations in a highly contested operational environment.
The AC-C2CS is a suite of software that assists in the planning, preparation, execution, management and reporting of ADF air operations. The system provides air operations command and control as well as intelligence, targeting and situational awareness. The contract won by Leidos is valued at $35.4 million and will run for four years with an option to extend by six years. Under the contract, the company will provide in-service support to Defence’s Joint Command, Control, Communications and Computers Systems Branch. This will include engineering and maintenance as well as training.
The AC-C2CS and its effective sustainment is a force multiplier for ADF’s ability to undertake air operations in an increasingly contested operational environment. Through using AC-C2CS, decisions can be made more effectively based on reliable information, and coordination of assets more effectively delivered. Leidos will have the key role of maintaining this vital capability, ensuring that it is secure and reliable. The company’s chief executive, Paul Chase, stated that: ‘We are entrusted with a critical capability. Our mission-first focus is about ensuring the ADF retains the edge it needs to remain ahead in a contested environment.’
Leidos will also be working with the Spirit Group Pty Ltd, a veteran-owned company that delivers specialist information and communications technology services.
The sea-air gap at Australia’s northern approaches has long been seen as a strategic moat. But the rapid development of adversary military capabilities across all operational domains means that this is no longer is effective in reducing the risks, particularly to northern Australia.
With the rapid growth of China’s air combat capabilities, naval air capabilities and long-range missile systems, ensuring effective control of the air is more vital than ever. There will be a growing requirement for rapid and responsive air capability across the full spectrum of air combat operations in an increasingly contested air domain, especially to our north. The same requirement will exist for expeditionary air operations, and participation in coalition operations beyond Australia’s shores.
AC-C2CS plays a key role in this regard. The effective maintenance and sustainment of the system, for which Leidos is now responsible, will ensure that ADF is better placed to plan and execute complex air operations, while providing effective situational awareness of a complex operational environment.