Source: New South Wales Bureau of Health Information
The vehicle helping our defence industry and researchers test and refine advanced technologies.
Modern cars come with all kinds of smart add-ons as features these days – but not many are capable of testing cutting edge electronic warfare technologies on the go.
Meet EWTE – the Electronic Warfare Tactical Engagement vehicle – a nation-first from defence leader Raytheon.
And while – at first glance – it might look like a normal Ford Ranger, the vehicle actually assists local defence industry and researchers test and refine advanced electronic warfare technologies, such as blocking or intercepting enemy signals, while stopping the detection of our own.
The custom-built vehicle was developed at Raytheon Australia’s Mawson Lakes facility, in collaboration with South Australian company REDARC Defence & Space, which created and installed the vehicle power sub-system and provided critical modifications to support electronic warfare equipment and operational needs.
Last year, REDARC was able to expand its workforce after securing $2 million from the State Government towards Stage 1 of establishing an Advanced Manufacturing & Technology Hub, as part of the $154 million Economic Recovery Fund.
Electronic warfare (EW) plays a crucial role in modern military operations. Australia is investing in advanced EW capabilities to enhance the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) situational awareness and communications in contested environments, as part of the AUKUS agreement.
Raytheon Australia’s vehicle demonstrates the important contribution local industry is making in strengthening EW capabilities and providing technologies to all three AUKUS partners.
Raytheon Australia Managing Director Ohad Katz said: “What we have launched here today showcases the art of the possible through innovation and collaboration with Defence industry and provides an opportunity for local industry and universities to be involved in this national initiative, which is a first of its kind for Australia.”
“By investing to develop a state-of-the-art electronic warfare test environment, Raytheon Australia is ready to best support the ADF in the next generation of threat environment analysis and to provide a step change to our national security endeavours.”
REDARC Defence & Space Executive General Manager Scott Begbie said the company was “excited to partner with Raytheon Australia on the groundbreaking Electronic Warfare Tactical Engagement (EWTE) vehicle”.
“Our close collaboration with Raytheon Australia, leveraging our expertise in vehicle integration of power and distribution systems, has delivered a robust and reliable mobile power solution,” Mr Begbie said.
“This custom-built system is critical for supporting the EWTE vehicle’s cutting-edge electronic warfare technologies, enhancing Australia’s Defence capabilities and demonstrating the power of sovereign innovation.”
South Australia is home to Raytheon Australia’s Centre for Joint Integration, the company’s largest operation, which employs more than 390 staff and delivers programs across sea, land, air and space domains.