The real strength of systems integration builds trust

The ADF’s ability to operate effectively increasingly depends on resilient, adaptable technologies and capabilities.

Robust, resilient and future-proof satellite communications underpin Australia’s national security.

The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) ability to operate effectively in contested and congested environments increasingly depends on resilient, adaptable technologies and capabilities.

The demand for data from integrated sources and seamless interoperability to enable real-time decisionmaking with assured information is fundamental to the ADF’s strategic transition from a balanced force to a focused integrated force. And this is where industry has a vital role in supporting the ADF – force integration depends on how well the nation can connect and co-ordinate Defence assets.

Solving the integration challenge is pivotal to the ambition of strengthening Australia’s defence and security. For an integrated force faced with more complex threats and the

need to operate as a unified entity, system integration is a strategic imperative.

Nic Mann, KBR vice president Australia defence and security solutions

Reflecting the National Defence Strategy (NDS), the ADF force structure is to be integrated across all five domains – maritime, land, air, space and cyber. Each domain has capabilities produced to different standards that have been made by different organisations.

Systems integration is not simply about connecting technologies. It supports data flows, how information is analysed and ensures that decisions are synchronised and responses

are co-ordinated, at times, in real time.

It’s not so much integrating one system with another. Adding to the challenge is the need to integrate systems within systems, together with human users and a range of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and autonomy.

Australia’s Defence capabilities also need to integrate with those of our partners and allies. One area is the requirement for robust, resilient and future-proof satellite communications. This capability is a strategic necessity underpinning Australia’s national security, interoperability with allies, and the nation’s ability to project influence, while maintaining sovereign control over critical communications networks.

It’s this sort of complexity that requires innovative solutions that come from extensive mission-relevant experience, expertise and deep technical knowledge, along with a team committed to a shared goal.

KBR is currently supporting governments and defence forces around the world to modernise, integrate and optimise capability. Our focus is using our world-leading technology to deliver solution-agnostic, capability outcomes and not manufacturing platforms.

KBR has seamlessly integrated a network of ground and space communication systems and aggregated the data from these systems that has increased the effectiveness of the assets;

synthesised data and increased fidelity of information is enabling quicker response times, leading to rapid decision-making.

The real strength of systems integration is that it’s not simply a force multiplier – it builds trust. Trust provides assurance that every part of the joint force can rely on each other in real time and when it matters most. It provides a critical capability that supports preparedness; being ready for anything whether it’s a cyber threat, a humanitarian mission or a sudden military threat.

In a world where critical incidents can occur quickly and without warning, the ability to act in unison is not a luxury but a necessity.

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Nic Maan is KBR vice president Australia Defence and Security Solutions.