New system enables communications where satellites cannot reach and where regular radios cannot work
The Ministry of Defence has upgraded its radio capability with the help of Bell Gully.
The leading firm advised the ministry on its acquisition of a new fixed high-frequency radio capability from Babcock (NZ). The firm’s team was headed by partner Angela Harford, who was supported by solicitors Philip Zander and Luke Higgins.
Bell Gully said that the cost of the project, which is expected to be fully operational by August 2023, was $26.6m. The New Zealand Defence Force has also assigned a $2m-per-year support contract.
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Harford said that the acquisition enables the Defence Force service people to undertake humanitarian, constabulary, and military tasks. The high-frequency radio enables communications coverage in some of the most remote locations in the world.
Bell Gully said that the capability is vital to the Defence Force, especially in locations where satellites cannot reach and where ordinary radio communications cannot work. The project will also serve as a back-up system in case satellite communications fail, are disrupted, or are unavailable.
“The Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Defence Force perform countless valuable roles for our country on a daily basis – making access to reliable and modern technology vital. It was a privilege for the Bell Gully team to have worked with the ministry and the New Zealand Defence Force on the acquisition of this new capability and associated support services," Harford said.