26 Jun 2024

HENSOLDT Australia has delivered a key milestone for the AIR5431 Phase 2 program by introducing a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) sensor into operational service at the Army Aviation Centre Oakey, achieving Initial Operational Capability for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Project AIR5431 Phase 2 is replacing the ageing Australian Defence Air Traffic System and Alenia surveillance sensors located at the Australian Defence Force’s fixed bases across Australia. The sensors provide surveillance coverage for fixed base flying operations and support the National Air Traffic Management Surveillance Infrastructure Plan (NASIP).

Sustainment under a Support Contract

Additional sites will be delivered this year, with final delivery scheduled for September 2025. The delivery includes the state-of-the-art Operational Maintenance Trainer (OMT) manufactured in Germany by HENSOLDT and operated and maintained in Australia by HENSOLDT Australia Pty Ltd. HENSOLDT will provide ongoing sustainment under a Support Contract.

"HENSOLDT Australia is delighted by the achievement of this important milestone in the delivery of this critical air surveillance capability to Defence. This milestone represents the culmination of significant effort on the part of the Commonwealth and HENSOLDT teams to this point and we look forward to delivering the remainder of the capability over the coming months," said Mark Novak, Managing Director of the Australian subsidiary.