Anzac Day service at the National War Memorial Wellington in 2011. Photo: NZDF.

Cubic Corporation subsidiary Gatr Technologies has won an order worth more than $5 million to provide satellite communication solutions for the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF). Cubic will supply 2.4-meter inflatable satellite antennas with supporting hardware, spares and new equipment training for the NZDF Network Enabled Army (NEA) program. In addition to a multi-year support contract, Cubic will deliver and integrate an iDirect-based, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network within the NZDF’s existing and future hub infrastructure.

According to NZDF, the NEA program improves its ability to support deployed land forces by enhancing its battlefield’s Command and Control System, Communications and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) sensor systems. By closely examining how the NZDF communicates across coalition operations, the NEA program works to advance communication capabilities for future deployments in the South Pacific and high-intensity environments.

“Gatr’s satcom is expected to provide the New Zealand Army with a communications solution that meets its tactical requirements and enhance the command and control capabilities of its forces when deployed on operations. Work is expected to commence soon to integrate Gatr into the New Zealand Defense Information Environment,” said Major Gen. Peter Kelly, New Zealand Chief of Army.