The Australian Department of Defence has announced a $1.7 billion commitment to acquire a new Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS). The investment, linked to the broader Project Air 6500 initiative, aims to replace aging command and control infrastructure with a unified network across the Australian Defence Force.
This development signifies a shift in how the Royal Australian Air Force utilizes its F-35A Lightning II fleet. Rather than serving solely as kinetic assets, the aircraft will function as critical nodes within a broader sensor and command network. By linking F-35As with Hobart-class destroyers and emerging ground-based air defense capabilities, commanders intend to establish a shared battlespace picture.
The system is designed to accelerate decision-making by integrating data across air, maritime, land, space, and cyber domains. Lockheed Martin Australia is spearheading the project to ensure the platform remains sustainable and upgradable through domestic industry involvement. The scope of work includes the construction of command facilities at RAAF Base Darwin and the deployment of mobile command centers to enhance operational agility. The move reflects a national strategic priority to counter sophisticated missile threats through integrated defense architectures.