In a significant blow to Australia’s defense capabilities, the federal government is canceling what would have been the nation’s largest-ever space project: an A$ 7 billion ( US$ 4.6 billion ) military satellite communications system.
Today ( 4 November ), a press release confirmed the decision. The Albanese state gave the green light to the ambitious programme only 18 months prior.
Despite its proper importance, sources from the defense industry who were quoted by The American newspaper claimed that inadequate funding was given to begin the program. According to the ABC, “defense industry statistics believe there are cheaper alternatives accessible.”
The program’s cancellation would represent a significant change for a system that was intended to make Australia’s defense communications safer at a time when the landscape of cyber threats has been continuously changing.
The rise and fall of JP9102
The optimistic telescope initiative is known as JP9102. Following a dynamic delicate process that included big players like Airbus, Northrop Grumman, and Optus, it was awarded to US defence company Lockheed Martin in April 2023.
The task aimed to release some huge military-grade satellites. It would also involve some ground stations, fresh dish communications operations centers, and a key management system. Taken up, this may create a stable communications system for Australia’s war.
Currently, the Australian Defense Force ( ADF) uses a complex network of up to 89 different” capabilities” ( military assets ) that rely on satellite communications.
The complete security and protection that JP9102 promised are lacking in this current system. Without it, Australian military communications might be exposed to computer and electronic battle attacks.
The Department of Defense statements in its statement that its” recent satellite communications features support the organization’s quick needs.”
What is military spacecraft deliver?
An “uncrackable information system” across the ADF was intended as a result of the proposed satellite system, according to authorities.
These high-tech satellites would have provided safe communications for ground forces, naval vessels, and fighter jets throughout the great Indo-Pacific region.
Unlike business satellites, military satellites incorporate advanced crypto and anti-jamming skills. They are thus much more resistant to cyberattacks and digital war.
Military satellites are vulnerable to complex cyberattacks from both position and non-state players.
China and Russia are commonly recognized as having advanced features in this area. They are capable of intercepting connections, compromising satellite signals, and even threatening to overthrow satellite systems. Additionally, North Korea has demonstrated expanding capabilities in cyberwarfare, especially in sign jamming.
During their businesses in Crimea in 2014, Russian troops reportedly slowed and hampered satellite connections. More recently, hackers impaired dozens of satellite computers that were a part of the Viasat satellite system, causing problems to both military and civilian contacts across Europe at the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Iran has been accused of entangling GPS and dish channels in the commercial market. This demonstrates how even countries with less developed military might be able to cause serious risks to satellite contacts.
JP9102 was considered a “bleeding-edge systems job”. Ideas for machine learning capabilities to improve dexterity and responsiveness were included. The potential for potential scientific advancements was highlighted by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute in a previous review of the project:
If the JP9102 satellites are based on open-architecture style or software-based systems, they may benefit from upcoming on-orbit cleaning technologies that could increase their usefulness and capacity over time.
A budget real
The main lesson is that the budget reality of Australia and its defense ambitions are growing.
The choice to revoke JP9102 highlights the difficult balance between the need to secure Australia’s military communications and the costs associated with doing so as regional tensions continue to rise and computer threats progress.
In a place that is increasingly contested, Australia must figure out how to secure its military communications. A major potential space in Australia’s military communications approach will need to be filled by the withdrawal of JP9102.
Defense designers will probably need to look for other solutions. These may include partnering with business satellite companies or joining allied military dish networks like the United States.
David Tuffley is top professor in applied morality &, security, Griffith University
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