L3Harris Technologies awarded $212 million contract for Royal Australian Navy's maritime underwater tracking ranges
The new ranges will test and evaluate the readiness of platforms and their weapon systems, such as the future Hunter Class. (Image: BAE Systems)
The SEA1350 Phase 3 MUTR programme will provide undersea warfare support including a sub-surface tracking capability to aid current and future Australian Defence Force assets, warfighting tactics and proficiency. This programme also enables sovereign readiness by safeguarding Australia’s maritime approaches and sea lines of communication.
Under the original tender, the solution was to cover a deepwater tracking range, a shallow water tracking range and a deployable tracking range, in a single or multiple arrangement, as well as the associated support mechanisms required to sustain the capability until 2045.
Through a series of sensors, the tracking ranges will capture and relay information on the location and movement of assets that are operating within the tracking field. The MUTR will facilitate exercises in deep ocean and littoral waters, involving surface and sub-surface assets simultaneously.
The ranges are integral to the RAN being able to test and evaluate the readiness of platforms and their weapon systems, especially in support of Australia’s strategic shipbuilding programme.
L3Harris will build the MUTR in Western Australia and will provide the RAN with sub-surface tracking capability and optimised preparedness. The MUTR will support Australia’s emphasis on anti-submarine warfare capability and enable littoral test and evaluation enhancements through the next decade.
More from Naval Warfare
-
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
-
£30 million UK-New Zealand deal sends new uncrewed vehicles to Ukraine
Sam Vye, the CEO of SYOS Aerospace, which supplied the vehicles, explained the rapid development and deployment of assets in the uncrewed world.