Munich 15-Jun-2020
Babcock Australasia and Rohde & Schwarz are strategically teaming up to replace the NZDF’s fixed HF radio capability and are also eyeing the ADF's EDHFCS program. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)
Rohde & Schwarz today announced a collaboration with Babcock Australasia to support the Fixed High Frequency Radio Refresh (FHFRR) project recently awarded to Babcock by the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD). As a subcontractor, Rohde & Schwarz will provide R&S M3SR Series4100 high frequency (HF) radios, high power amplifiers (5 kW and 10 kW) and spares for the program.
Babcock Australasia will be replacing the New Zealand Defence Force’s fixed HF radio capability, which is expected to be fully operational by August 2023. The company is additionally tendering for the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communications System (EDHFCS) program, again partnering with Rohde & Schwarz.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Rohde & Schwarz and leverage their organizational and technological capabilities to help meet our customer’s very unique requirements,” stated David Ruff, CEO of Babcock Australasia. “We look forward to bringing this critical communications solution to New Zealand and beyond.”
“Rohde & Schwarz welcomes this contract in New Zealand, having a longstanding history in HF communications,” comments Hansjörg Herrbold, Vice President Market Segment Navy Rohde & Schwarz. “Since HF wideband technology drives the need for high power systems, the company is now offering 5 kW and 10 kW amplifiers backed by decades of experience in the transmitter business. We will fully support Babcock Australasia in implementing and operating this modern communications solution.”
R&S M3SR Series4100 HF radios belong to the SOVERON radio family. They are innovative, versatile software defined radios (SDR) that include HF wideband functionality. This powerful radio platform can be extended at any time and is a safe, future-ready investment. Rohde & Schwarz amplifier systems are extremely well engineered, are manufactured in an award-winning factory and feature field-proven reliability that is unique.
Currently, Rohde & Schwarz is investing considerably in HF wideband technology, supporting its worldwide customers in the transition to next generation beyond line of sight (BLOS) communications systems.
Rohde & Schwarz has been operating successfully in the Australian and New Zealand region for nearly 40 years. The Australian subsidiary has a comprehensive integration and through-life support capability in Sydney that currently services defense communications contracts and air-traffic control communications contracts in both New Zealand and Australia.
Press & media contact
Dennis-Peter MerklinghausPR Manager Technology Systems
+49 89 4129 15671
press@rohde-schwarz.com
Rohde & Schwarz SOVERON
Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 3.16 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2025, Rohde & Schwarz had more than 15,000 employees worldwide.
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