Australia Cancels Lockheed Martin Military Satellite Deal, Shifts to Multi-Orbit System
Australia cancels Lockheed Martin satellite deal ,a multi-billion dollar military project, choosing to focus instead on a more resilient multi-orbit satellite system. The decision, announced by the Department of Defence on Monday, follows recent advancements in space technology and growing threats in space.
Move to Multi-Orbit Capability for Enhanced Security
Initially, Lockheed Martin Australia had been chosen to provide Australia’s first sovereign satellite communication system for the Indo-Pacific region. The project aimed to establish a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite to secure independent military communication for the country. However, the Defence Department reassessed the single-orbit system’s strategic value and found it insufficient given the rapid pace of technological change and evolving space-based threats.
“With the acceleration in space technologies and evolving threats in space since the project’s commencement, Defence has assessed that a single orbit GEO-based satellite communications system would not meet strategic priorities,” stated the Department of Defence. Moving to a multi-orbit system, the Department believes, will significantly enhance resilience and security for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Government Defence Strategy and Budget Priorities
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a radio interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, explained that while defence spending is on the rise, the government is making careful decisions on procurement. The cancellation of the Lockheed Martin project reflects a priority on technologies that align with Australia’s current security needs.
Although a specific value for the now-cancelled project was not disclosed, Defence previously referred to it as a “multi-billion dollar” deal. Instead, Australia’s Defence Department has confirmed an allocation of A$9-12 billion (US$13.87 billion) for overall space capabilities, including projects that support a multi-orbit approach.
