Launch completes Global Satellite Communications capability

The sixth Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) has successfully been launched overnight in the United States (US).

Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organisation Mr Warren King said this launch completes the constellation of six WGS satellites, as agreed under the joint US and Australian Memorandum of Understanding.

“The launch and testing of the sixth satellite will conclude the Defence Materiel Organisation’s acquisition stage of the program in what has been a highly successful partnership between Australia and the United States,” Mr King said.

“This partnership with the US provides the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with a high bandwidth satellite communications capability with global coverage.”

Mr King said Australia has incrementally received increased capability as each of the six satellite systems has been launched and become operational.

“These satellites provide Australia with improved warfare capabilities through access to world-leading communications in terms of coverage, operational flexibility, and bandwidth,” Mr King said.

“The development of advanced communications and networking capabilities are necessary for the ADF to meet future challenges.

“The WGS will meet the needs of the ADF for high data rate communications until at least 2024.”

Since commencing in 2007, the WGS satellite partnership has further strengthened the Australian US-alliance. In particular it will enhance the inter-operability between Australian and US defence forces.