Air Force Taps BAE Systems for Critical HF System Sustainment in Australia
AUSTRALIA — BAE Systems Australia Ltd. has been awarded a $9,024,705 undefinitized contract action to sustain and enhance critical components of the Air Force’s High Frequency (HF) communications infrastructure.
The contract focuses on the digital receive chain sub-system, a key element in long-range HF communications that enables secure, beyond-line-of-sight transmissions vital to both peacetime and operational missions. This work ensures that the system remains mission-ready and technologically current as operational demands evolve.
Scope of Work
Under this agreement, BAE Systems will:
- Provide engineering and programmatic services to support ongoing system performance
- Procure and integrate updated hardware and software
- Conduct repair actions to maintain operational readiness
- Perform system integration and comprehensive testing
- Draft and update technical documentation to reflect changes and upgrades
These activities are essential to maintaining the integrity and operational lifespan of the HF network, which is a strategic asset for the U.S. Air Force and allied forces.
Execution & Timeline
Work will be conducted in Edinburgh, Australia, home to BAE Systems Australia’s advanced engineering and sustainment teams. Project completion is targeted for August 5, 2025.
The award is classified as a sole-source acquisition, reflecting BAE Systems’ established role and specialized expertise in this highly technical domain.
Funding Details
Multiple funding sources are being obligated at award, including:
- $457,929 from Fiscal 2025 Operations & Maintenance
- $338,688 from Fiscal 2024 Other Procurement
- $2,619,443 from Fiscal 2024 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation
These combined allocations demonstrate a blend of near-term sustainment, hardware procurement, and forward-looking system development priorities.