Airbus has announced Sydney-based ground-control infrastructure specialist UGL will become a local partner to join the Airbus teaming arrangement in its bid to deliver next-generation military satellite communications (satcom) capability to Australia under the JP9102 program.

The teaming arrangement, Team Maier, seeks to identify Australian partners in the space, technology and academic sectors to provide specialised military satcom capabilities. As well as offering a military satcom solution to the Australian Government, the teaming approach is designed to aid the development of a long-term sovereign defence and space eco-system and capability in Australia.

UGL would design and construct all ground infrastructure, including the communications systems, network operations and systems integration, as well as its ongoing sustainment. Under the partnership, Airbus will also be able to draw on more than 7000 UGL engineering, construction, operations and maintenance specialists.

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