The Australian Defence Force's (ADF) Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) command and control capability is receiving a $2.4 billion investment over six years, significantly strengthening the nation's sovereign defence capability.
Project Air 6500 is helping deliver two of the Australian Government's National Defence priorities: strengthening the ADF's ability to counter advanced air and missile threats and building a resilient sovereign defence industrial base.
At the centre of the project is the Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS), which will provide the command and control foundation for Australia's evolving IAMD capability.
The 2026 National Defence Strategy (NDS) identified missile defence as a critical capability requirement for the integrated, focused force as advanced missile technologies continue to proliferate and strategic competition intensifies.
In response, Air 6500 will provide Defence with an advanced command and control capability that connects sensors, effectors and decision-makers across the joint force.
By enabling information sharing across maritime, land, air, space and cyber domains, JABMS will create a common operating picture that supports faster decision-making and more effective coordination of air and missile defence operations.
Head of Air Defence and Space Systems Division within the newly formed Defence Delivery Group, Air Vice-Marshal Martin Nussio, said the project was delivering one of the key capability outcomes identified in the NDS.
"Air 6500 is delivering the resilient command and control architecture required to integrate Defence's growing air and missile defence capabilities into a single, effective network," Air Vice-Marshal Nussio said.
"This capability will enable Defence to operate more effectively as an integrated force, ensuring commanders have access to the information and decision support tools needed to respond rapidly to emerging threats."
The JABMS will replace the existing Air Battle Management System, modernising air surveillance and control functions while supporting the coordination of Defence operations.
Once delivered, it will enable integration of current and future Defence platforms including Hobart-class destroyers, the F-35A Lightning fleet and the future Medium Range Ground-Based Air Defence (MRGBAD) capability, strengthening Australia's layered IAMD capability.
'This capability will enable Defence to operate more effectively as an integrated force.'
The 2026 Integrated Investment Program identified MRGBAD as a priority capability, with delivery being progressed through Project Land 6504.
Beyond its operational outcomes, Air 6500 is also contributing to the Defence Industry Development Strategy's objective of strengthening sovereign industrial capability.
Through Defence's strategic partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia, Air 6500 is delivering these outcomes by ensuring critical IAMD expertise is developed, retained and sustained in Australia.
First Assistant Secretary Industry Engagement with Defence Michael Howell said Air 6500 highlighted the direct connection between Defence capability and sovereign industrial capability.
"The Defence Industry Development Strategy recognises that Australia's security depends not only on the capabilities we acquire, but also on our ability to design, sustain and evolve them in Australia," Mr Howell said.
"Air 6500 is delivering both outcomes through our partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia and Australian industry; we are building a world-class command and control capability while simultaneously strengthening Australia's sovereign industrial base, and developing and retaining critical Integrated Air and Missile Defence expertise within Australia."
Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell said this partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia was particularly valuable because it will see the new system enhance the ADF's ability to conduct agile and resilient operations through deployable command and control centres.
"This investment will see the replacement of legacy command and control systems, construction of major facilities at RAAF Base Darwin, acquisition of deployable vehicle fleets, sustainment of previously delivered capabilities, and integration of Defence's emerging air and missile defence capabilities," Air Marshal Chappell said.
