The Australian Department of Defence is seeking to merge two rival bids for its Project Echidna electronic warfare self protection (EWSP) requirement, splitting work worth up to A$180 million ($98 million) between BAE Systems Australia and Tenix Defence Systems. It has briefed both contenders.
BAE Australia would receive a launch order for the ALR-2002 radar warning receiver. The company would also be responsible for managing acquisition of countermeasures dispensing systems, suite controller units and missile approach warning sensors. Tenix would be responsible for aircraft and system integration.
The two rivals submitted design and integration proposals earlier this year for EWSP upgrades for around 10-12 Sikorsky S-70 BlackHawk and six Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and four Royal Australian Air Force Lockheed C-130H airlifters.
Source: Flight International
