C4 EDGE showcases defence milestone

The Australian Army-sponsored sovereign industry initiative — Command, Control, Communications and Computers – Evolutionary Digital Ground Environment (aka C4 EDGE) — recently achieved a battlegroup and below prototype demonstration milestone at Majura Field Firing Training Range, ACT.

The sovereign Battlegroup and Below Battlefield Command System prototype was demonstrated in a combat team environment, integrating mounted/dismounted and uninhabited platforms in a single network. Matthew Jones, CEO of EOS Defence Systems Australia, said, “C4 EDGE incorporates locally sourced combat radios, satellite terminals, cryptography, networking middleware, command applications, user interfaces, batteries and power management into a coherent and fully Australian-controlled system.”

The initial success of C4 EDGE would not have happened without the sponsorship and extensive support from the Australian Army. Army Head of Land Capability Major-General Simon Stuart said C4 EDGE is an example of strategic partnership between army and industry characterised by engagement earlier in the Capability Life Cycle: “The initiative is a $35m mobile tactical communications capability proof-of-concept involving a consortium of 18 Australian companies, led by Electro Optic Systems.”

Critical communications companies involved in the C4 EDGE group include: Barrett Communications, CBG Systems, Codan Communications, Electro-Optic Systems, EM Solutions, Etherstack, GME, Insitec and Solinnov.

EOS demonstration vehicles. Third from right EOS demonstration vehicle with CBG Systems HF antenna and EM Solutions Taipan Satcom-on-the-move antenna.