South Australian technology company Codan has drawn strong industry interest in its bid to propose sovereign, Australian-led tactical communications solution for the Australian Defence Force under LAND 4140 Work Package 16 Tactical Edge Radio.

Codan hosted an Australian Industry Brief at its Mawson Lakes campus this month, bringing together companies from across Australia’s defence, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors to explore opportunities to contribute to its proposed DTC tactical edge radio solution.

The briefing attracted 89 industry representatives, with Codan CEO and Managing Director Alf Ianniello said the response demonstrated Australian industry’s readiness to contribute to a nationally significant Defence capability.

“The strength of the response from Australian industry has been outstanding. It demonstrates that Australian companies have both the capability and the determination to contribute to the technologies that will protect and connect Australian soldiers,” Mr Ianniello said.

“LAND 4140 is an opportunity to build sovereign capability, strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing base and create enduring skilled employment, intellectual property and export opportunities here in Australia.”

Defence SA Executive Director Ian Spencer said the program highlighted the value of early industry engagement in building partnerships and positioning businesses to support future Defence requirements.

“LAND 4140 represents an exciting opportunity for South Australian industry, particularly in an area as important as our sovereign defence communications capability,” Mr Spencer said.

“Early industry engagement will be critical to building a strong team and ensuring local industry is well positioned to support Defence capability requirements.”

During the briefing, Codan outlined its proposed solution and identified opportunities across advanced manufacturing, engineering, software, systems integration, technology supply, training, logistics and through-life support.

The company also detailed its ambition to establish a resilient Australian supply chain to support delivery, development and sustainment of the LAND 4140 capability.

Codan will now assess the products, technologies, services and industrial capabilities presented by participating companies to inform its Australian Industry Capability approach and identify potential contributions for inclusion in its proposed solution and supporting supply chain.

LAND 4140 represents an opportunity to strengthen Australia’s sovereign defence communications capability, increase supply-chain resilience and establish enduring Australian industry participation in a critical Defence capability.

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Image: Codan’s Vice President Asia-Pacific, Matthew Jones, with Defence SA’s Executive Director, Ian Spencer.