Low Earth Comms

Starlink By Max Helion

As a Telecommunications Technician in the ADF, I posted to 1st Signal Regiment after completing my training at Defence School of Signals. My current position is in 600TP as a Short Response Team (SRT) Det member, conducting periodic testing to enable the SRT to remain at high readiness. 

The unit received three Starlink terminals, in support of Army Head Quarters (AHQ) and Army’s use case for Low Earth Orbit satellite constellation.

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX.  This organisation utilises a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation travelling close to the earth at an average distance of 550km.  Starlink currently provides coverage for 32 countries where it is licensed and aims to have global reach by the end of 2022.

Starlink broadband satellite constellation will have global maritime coverage by mid-2022. For Australia’s coverage so far, there are no ground stations higher than the Northern half of Australia, meaning Starlink is currently ineffective North of Townsville to the East and Geraldton to the West.  In 2018, the first two satellites were launched. As of 05 JAN 22, 12480 satellites have been launched with 4900 currently active.  SpaceX hopes to have as many as 43000 satellites in the completion of the constellation. 

• Special points of interest:
  • Capabilities
  • Limitations
  • Difference to in-service Satcom
  • Other Cotts LEO bearers in market
  • Why I think Defence needs Starlink and LEO constellation

About the Starlink

Starlink uses a flat panel design minimising volume providing easy storage.  Each user terminal uses four powerful phased array antennas and two parabolic antennas. A parabolic passive gain antenna is used to receive whilst an electronically controlled phased array antenna is used for transmission. This allows simultaneous beams that can be steered to track multiple satellites within the Starlink LEO constellation.

Frequency and bands used for Starlink

Transmissions from the customer’s terminal, back up to the satellites in orbit are handled in multiple bands. This uses frequencies within X Band, 8-12GHz, K Band 12-40GHz and Q Band 40-50GHz. More specifically Starlink uses dedicated frequencies for its downlink 10.7-12.7GHz and 37.5-42.5GHz. For the terminal’s uplink, the frequencies used are 14-14.5GHz and 47.2-50.2GHz. 

Capabilities

A key capability of the Starlink includes the quick and easy setup and pack up of the hardware. The satellite can be set up within minutes, the satellite can reach internet speeds from 150-200Mbps once set up.  This is the equivalent to three to four times the speed of a standard NBN connection. It is a steady, reliable bearer capable of supporting small teams in remote locations where local networks can be hard to reach. This has great utility for rural users and Defence/Emergency Services.

The Starlink constellation is a robust network as the satellites create a mesh network which makes it harder for other agencies to be able to deny, degrade or disrupt the signal. As the satellites are in low earth orbit, the distance the signal has to travel is significantly lower than traditional Geosynchronous SATCOM, allowing Starlink to deliver higher speeds and lower latency, resulting in average ping times of 30ms. For reference, traditional SATCOM latency times are greater than 500ms.

Limitations

One key limitation of the Starlink is the amount of coverage over Australia currently. As previously stated, it is currently ineffective in the northern half of Australia. When a terminal is purchased, it is locally logged in the Starlink database, meaning it is only effective within a 20km radius of the address it is registered. For the ADF This means that the terminal would need to be reconfigured with Starlink in order to be effective in a deployment location. Another limitation for the ADF is the High Assurance Internet Gateway System (HAIGS). The Starlink provides a medium to the public infrastructure, however, to travel back to Defence networks it requires to traverse the HAIGS, which will cause congestion within the currently designed infrastructure, reducing data rates.

Difference to in-service Satcom

Other COTS LEO bearers in market

TELSAT LIGHTSPEED

The Telsat LEO network is optimized to meet the rigorous requirements of telecommunications, government, maritime and aeronautical customers. This Satellite utilises the Ka frequency band spectrum. Telsat LightSpeed aims to redefine satellite connectivity with global coverage, affordable, high-capacity links. The Telsat satellites in an industry-first combination of polar and inclined orbits, resulting in coverage of polar areas, as well as having higher capacity where most of the world’s population lives. The Telsat terminal, like Starlink, uses a meshed network, phased array antennas, with full digital modulation, demodulation. Data routing occurs in space, resulting in higher capacity and flexibility within the network. Telsat states that the terminals will be easy to deploy, enabling Gigabit speeds within the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) compliant interfaces for seamless integration to the terrestrial network.

ONEWEB

OneWeb began launching satellites in 2019. They expect to complete its launch program in 2023. OneWeb stated, “no matter how good your network is, success is not possible without the right spectrum.” OneWeb has met International Telecommunications Union (ITU) requirements to secure global priority. The company’s reason behind providing the LEO constellation is to reduce backhaul fibre. This will minimise the amount of underwater fibre runs to many different islands and countries within the world that struggle to achieve fast internet connection or have no connection at all.

AMAZON

Amazon has a plan to deliver internet from space using 3,236 small satellites in low Earth orbit. Amazon continues to make progress on Project Kuiper, a LEO constellation that aims to provide fast, affordable broadband to rural communities all over the world. This is a major, long-term initiative, with no confirmed end date.

Why does Defence Need It

Defence needs a LEO capability to enhance the redundancy and diversity of its Satellite networks. Adding in new bearers that utilise different bands, makes it more difficult for an adversary to disrupt C2 in the battlefield. The bandwidth provided by Starlink far surpasses anything in service currently, allowing for better communications, especially in the ever expanding Video Telephony Conferencing (VTC) space. Defence is increasingly favouring high bandwidth video conferences as a means of providing command and control, as well as delivering professional military education.  Starlink is capable of providing the ability for Defence to use a public network as a medium for our encrypted traffic. Furthermore, the ability to rapid setup and packdown bearers is a significant factor in tactical C2 for high readiness elements.

This is where Starlink can be effectively used as a bearer system to provide high bandwidth links for in service devices such as the Internet Protocol Liaison Briefcase System (ILOBS) and External Network Access Point (ENAP).

7th Signal Regiment

76^th Birthday Celebrations – By WO1 T. Douglas

The celebration of the Regiment’s 76^th Birthday on 03 Feb 2023.

7th Signal Regiment

International Womens’ Day – By WO1 T. Douglas

International Womens’ Day – Morning Tea & Tour – 8 Mar 23.

7th Signal Regiment

102nd RAAF Birthday and 50th Anniversary of the End of RAAF Involvement in Vietnam – By WO1 T. Douglas

 7th Combat Signal Regiment

SIDE BY SIDE: 7 CSR AND VANUATU POLICE FORCE MANAGE THE VANUATU EMERGENCY RADIO NETWORK DURING BACK TO BACK CYCLONES AND EARTHQUAKES – By WO1 M. Piggott

1.                       Vanuatu is the most disaster-prone nation in the world, as such the Vanuatu Government and Australian Defence Force have worked closely to deliver the Vanuatu Government National Emergency Radio Network (VGNERN). The VGNERN is a VHF and HF communication network for radio communications during times of national emergency as well as during day-to-day police operations. The network spans the entire archipelago, including  all 13 principal islands as well as many of the smaller islands and waterways. This includes Loh and Aneityum, the north most and south most islands of Vanautu respectively. Recently, JTF 637.4.3 – VGNERN Ph 3B, with a contingent made up of four personnel from 7 CSR, has been working closely with the Vanuatu Police Force (VPF) to support the network, including training in both the use and maintenance of the radio network.

2.                       The VGNERN project has recently proven itself, as Vanuatu was struck by a category 3 cyclone (T.C Judy), a category 4 cyclone (T.C Kevin), as well as three earthquakes above 5.0 on the Richter scale, all within 2 days. These caused significant damage to Vanuatu, including severe flooding, extensive damage to civilian and government infrastructure, and notable disruption daily life. It also resulted in the loss of power, water, and communications infrastructure across a majority of Vanuatu’s principal Islands.

3.                       As a result of TC Judy, the mobile phone networks on Loh and Aneityum were heavily damaged, completely isolating the islands from any external support. Through VGNERN however, both islands had one remaining communication link that enabled them to reach out for support. The VPF and 7 CSR signallers manning the network received the islands radio communications and were able to inform the Joint Planning and Operations Centre (JPOC) of the critical information immediately. This enabled the JPOC to support Loh and Aneityum as required. This should be seen as a great success story for the effectiveness and necessity of the VGNERN Project, without which TC Judy could have resulted in potentially catastrophic consequences.

4.                       TC Kevin made landfall as a category four cyclone two days after TC Judy, and aggravated the existing damage. With wind speeds exceeding 200 km/hr TC Kevin caused extensive damage to the primary islands of Vanuatu, particularly the country’s capital Island, Efate.  Across Vanuatu houses were decimated, businesses destroyed, and the country’s mobile phone network, its primary means of communications with the outside world, heavily disrupted. Immediately following TC Kevin VGNERN provided the only communications link with the island of Tanna, Vanuatu’s third largest island by population. VGNERN, the VPF, and the 7 CSR signallers working alongside them played a critical role for communicating damage assessments as well as planning and co-ordinating support. Additionally, in the event of a casualty the VGNERN would have provided the only means to co-ordinate a CASEVAC if it was required. 

5.                       Over the following days 7 CSR and VPF signallers established further HF communications throughout the VGNERN, connecting with another 5 out of the 6 provincial HQs in Vanuatu. This facilitated the co-ordination, planning, and resource allocation between the JPOC and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NDMO). An additional six islands were also contacted through the VGNERN within the following day providing further information to the NDMO and JPOC that may not have otherwise been accessible.

6.                       VGNERN’s success during these crises is due to the ADF’s strong partnership with the VPF, noted by the 7CSR deployment building on the success of previous 1 SIG REGT lead missions. For example, prior to the cyclones the 7 CSR Team travelled all over Vanuatu preparing for the many natural disasters that could occur in the future. The team worked with the VPF signallers daily to develop and practice SOP’s for general and emergency operations, conducted maintenance on the network to ensure it remained operationally ready, and supported VPF lead exercises including mass-cas and emergency situations.

7.                       The 7 CSR and VPF team remarked that the likely reason for their efficient and effective teamwork during the cyclone was because of the genuine friendships and connections they had created. Anecdotes on these friendships that the team shared involved visiting a large number of the outer islands where many of VPF personnel originate from as well as participating in a friendly rugby match between players from the Vanuatu National Rugby Team and VPF Rugby team.

8.                       During and after TC Judy and Kevin, the VGNERN project has clearly demonstrated its value and the importance of Vanuatu and Australia’s strong and enduring partnership.

• LCPL Pearce (ARMY), CPL Yrene (VPF), and PVT Babra (VMF) staffing the VGNERN network and conducting training.

• SIG Blayden (ARMY) and SGT Hendry (VMF) prepare to conduct a reconnaissance of the VGNERN VHF tower sites using an ADF CH-47F

• LT Hemsworth (pictured centre) in front of the VPF training college with the Bulldogs rugby team. The team includes members from the Vanuatu National Rugby Team and Vanuatu Mobile Force

7th Signal Regiment

ANZAC 2023 – 7 SIG REGT – By WO1 T. Douglas

RHQ & OSS

This year the 7th Signal Regiment recommenced the tradition of hosting the ANZCAC Day Dawn Service at Borneo Barracks.

The early morning drizzle set a solemn scene, as all in attendance remembered, appreciated and paid their respects to those that served before us. As the service progressed the Commanding Officer (LTCOL Uliano Polatos), delivered a testimonial brief from the perspective of a relatively unknown member who served with Australian Special Wireless Group (ASWG) Signaller Wells. Signaller Wells was on the receiving end of effective gunfire whilst on a patrol in Crete tasked to investigate a downed glider. The CO highlighted that the actions of the ASWG went relatively unknown due to the sensitive nature of their work and as result, the soldiers of this group are often unrecognised for their service and sacrifice.

At the conclusion of the service, all in attendance went to the Gordon Club for cooked breakfast.

In preparation for the March in Toowoomba, all members participating dressed in Ceremonial 2A and jumped on the bus. Upon arrival, each member received their weapons and formed up in preparation for the occasion. Once formed up, the words of command were given and the contingent stepped off to the drumbeat. It was a real privilege to March through the city of Toowoomba, as everyone in attendance was clapping joyfully. These moments make you feel very proud to be a serving member as you reflect on the opportunity to March as the Anzacs did many years ago. At Mothers Memorial the cadet catafalque party conducted themselves with precision and should feel very proud of their efforts.

Overall the whole day was a rewarding and amazing experience that I would highly encourage everyone to partake in.

71 EW SQN

The 71st Electronic Warfare Squadron continued their long standing tradition of attending the ANZAC Day service at Yarraman for ANZAC Day. The day began with the Yarraman ANZAC Day Parade, as Captain Trent Leech lead the Squadron, Yarraman veterans and local service members through the town centre. Officer Commanding 71st Electronic Warfare Squadron, MAJ Tom Murray, was the reviewing officer for the Parade, with regimental support from the Squadron Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class 2, Josh Nelson. Despite morning rain and wind, the townsfolk, families and friends lined the main street to provide their support. The march concluded at the town memorial where all personnel gathered for the ANZAC Day service.

Upon mounting of the Catafalque Party – commanded by SGT Isaac White – a fly-over of Army Aviation MRH90s and CH-47 Chinooks provided a perfectly timed commencement to the service. Local dignitaries, Yarraman schools and businesses laid wreathes in remembrance of the sacrifices of our service men and women. Warrant Officer Class 2, Robyn East delivered a speech, reflecting on her own service and experience, with linkages between our current serving members as custodians of traditions and remembrance of sacrifice and mateship demonstrated by the ANZACs. The Yarraman RSL and volunteers provided lunch for 71st Electronic Warfare Squadron personnel at the Town Hall and the day concluded at the Yarraman RSL Club with Squadron members swapping stories and playing two-up with local RSL members.

The 71st Electronic Warfare Squadron would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to the Yarraman RSL Sub-Branch and community for welcoming us into their town to share ANZAC Day together. All members of the Squadron look forward to maintaining close ties with the Yarraman community and continuing this tradition for years to come. 

72 EW SQN

The 72nd Electronic Warfare Squadron paraded within the township of Crows Nest to celebrate the memory of the ANZACs. The dawn service orchestrated by members of the Crows Nest RSL symbolised commitment, empathy, courage and mateship; shared amongst the hundreds of locals who stood and willingly endured the cold morning. This solidarity meant a lot to the members of 72 EW SQN as not only was the ceremony embraced by community support, members were extremely proud to parade on behalf of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and eagerly made themselves available afterwards for photographs, morning tea and a chat with community members.

ANZAC Day holds a deep significance for 72 EW SQN as many of its members have served the nation in both war and peacetime operations. The day is a reminder of the sacrifices and struggles that soldiers have made throughout history to protect our nation and our beliefs, with an understanding of this obvious on the faces of the returned veterans amongst the gathered crowd. The Defence values of Service, Courage, Respect, Integrity and Excellence are deeply ingrained in the fabric of ANZAC Day. This is something that is particularly important to 72 EW SQN as we are responsible for providing tactical electronic warfare support to ADF operations. These values are paramount to ensuring mission success and the protection of Australian soldiers.

The spirit of the ANZACs runs deep through the community of Crows Nest, which has a long linkage with 72 EW SQN. Crows Nest has a strong history of supporting the Australian military and its defence forces. During the First World War, the Crows Nest Memorial School of Arts was used as a recruitment centre for Australian soldiers, and the extensive list of names etched on the cenotaph bear testament to the commitment the town made. Being my first Anzac Day in uniform, I was moved by the stories of towns strong connection to the military. In particular, the anecdotes of CPL John French – a born and raised Crows Nest local – who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his conspicuous bravery in the events of his death during the battle of Milne Bay. The community of Crows Nest is most proud of CPL John French and continues to grow its ADF and ANZAC legacy to this day through its longstanding commitment to its RSL, as well as Anzac Day and Remembrance Day ceremonies.

It was both impressive and humbling to watch the community and 72 EW SQN take the opportunity to remember and honour those who have served before them, those serving currently, and the families of servicemen and women. We embraced the moment to reflect and pay our respects to the sacrifices, and extend our heartfelt thanks to the community of Crows Nest, which captured the significance of this day perfectly.

73 EW SQN

Members of the 73rd Electronic Warfare Squadron ventured out to Greenmount, a small town south west of Toowoomba, to provide a Catafalque Party to the local community.

The sun came out and provided a memorable morning for those in attendance. The local community had members and schools marching through the town’s main street, complete with horse and rider donned in Cavalry dress and embellishments. Attendees then settled in for the service at the Bicentennial Memorial Park. The Catafalque Party consisted of members from 201 Troop, led by CPL Jai Flory, with James Wakefield, Jirayu Boylan, Lachlan Woolley, Jonah Flanagan, and Robert Murgovski performing their relevant duties.

The OC of 73 EW SQN, MAJ James Bushell provided a speech on behalf of the 7th Signal Regiment, proceeding with the ‘passing of the torch’ to school students to ensure the ANZAC legacy is passed down through future generations. CR Carol Taylor and school students gave speeches and song to uplift the crowd in attendance.  A young member of Greenmount State School performed The Last Post and Reveille, with both the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems being performed by the local Quartet. The morning sun stayed out as community members were given the opportunity to lay wreaths at the cenotaph.

After the service wrapped up, it was over to the Solider’s Memorial Hall for morning tea. Members from 73 Squadron had the opportunity to share memories of family and friends who have served and sacrificed. There were a few lucky soldiers in the right place at the right time to partake in Anzac Biscuits provided by one of the local community groups.

138 SIG SQN

On Anzac Day CPL J Wright, SIG Campion-Rossa, SIG Parrello, SIG J Evans, SIG Bentley, SIG Steinheuer and SIG Choi from 138 SIG SQN conducted the both the Dawn Service and Memorial Catafalque Party (with LT Chase Fletcher as the guest speaker) continuing 138 SIG SQN’s close relationship with the Greensborough RSL. Both services were well attended with both members of 138 SIG SQN and the Greensborough veteran community. A BBQ breakfast was cooked down at the Greensborough RSL between the two services and was then proceeded by the Veteran’s march from the RSL to the memorial. Another five members of the SQN volunteered to sell Legacy badges in the vicinity of the MCG with two of the volunteers attending the game afterwards.

Book review: Revealing Secrets

By CHAP Darren Cronshaw (DFSS)

Signals personnel understand the strategic importance of their work. Yet most Australians know little of the organisations that work in this domain and the resources at their disposal. The shroud of secrecy is being drawn back for transparency and accountability, and recognising that cyber defence involves business and individuals as well as government. Thus Revealing Secrets offers a consolidated history of Australian SIGINT and Cyber. Drawing on open access information, the project began as a history of the Australian Signals Directorate and broadened to embrace all who work in “revealing of others’ secrets and the protection of one’s own” (p.2). It offers a comprehensive overview of the battles, organisations, personnel and technology that has been utilised and developed with SIGINT. 

It begins with a fascinating narrative of how cryptology has been used in statecraft and battles – from the Babington Plot that led to the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, Napolean’s defeat, and Nelson’s semaphore stations. I was curious to read a chaplain, Dr John Wallis, deciphering documents for the Parliamentary side in the English Civil War (1642-51), and afterwards alongside his duties as Royal Chaplain worked closely the Secret Office decipherers in the Royal Mail Post Office.  

There are huge lessons through all the wars of the 20^th Century. For example, the decryption of a German telegram – asking the Mexicans to keep American troops busy and offering New Mexico and Texas in return – brought the United States into WWI. Allied SIGINT helped locate and sink the German raider SMS Emden, identify enemy locations and decrypt codes when the enemy repeated messages in old code. Yet German SIGINT led to losing the British tactical surprise at the Battle of the Somme

In WWII Allied SIGINT weaknesses contributed to the fall of Singapore and Crete, the loss of HMAS Sydney, and Rommel’s uncanny successes. Yet SIGINT have the Allies priceless advantage in the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway, submarine attacks on Japanese ships, averting bombing runs on New Guinea and Darwin bases, and attacking the plane of Admiral Yamamoto (the architect of the Pearl Harbour attack). When Japan shelled Cocos Island cable station, the Allies sent a ruse message to let the Japanese think it was destroyed, but it was still operational. One of the most significant ongoing episodes of SIGINT source protection was when coastwatchers – though amazing HUMINT sources themselves – were also given credit for what was successful cryptology.

For all the unsung successes, however, there were also a series of unfortunate lapses in security. For example, Operation LAGARTO inserted in Timor, despite warning their Australian base they were at risk of capture and then not using an authenticator word, were still sent intelligence messages about other Operation COBRA recon operators which led to their capture! Post-War British and Americans for a time did not trust Australia because of lapsed leaks of British military estimates through the Soviet embassy in Canberra. The defection of Vladimir and Evdokia Petrov unveiled a Society spy network in Australia. In Vietnam 547 Signal Troop was valuable but insufficiently used, as when they warned about an overwhelming force approaching Long Tan but were ignored. There is also a delicate balance of when to use SIGINT, and controversy about when it may not have been used as in East Timor before the murder of Australian journalists in 1975. Australia has also been embarrassed when their involvement was discovered in bugging the new Chinese Embassy in Canberra in the 1980s and monitoring mobile calls of the Indonesian President in 2009.

Revealing Secrets narrates this fascinating history of events alongside the evolution and interrelationships of different organisations: Central Bureau, D Special Section, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) and others. It also narrates the significant international dependence, information exchange and navigating of relationships, especially with the UK and USA. The SIGINT relationship with America is especially significant with Pine Gap and related installations that are important in monitoring nuclear non-proliferation but also drone strikes and other targeting.   

It is important to consider history especially as exponentially changing technology brings whole new strategic and ethical challenges. The book describes the developments of telegraphy (and its tapping and cyphering), wireless (and its interception and triangulation), and machines such as Enigma and radar. Each technology opens up new confidence in secrecy that can lead to complacency and related vulnerabilities. The UKUSA Echelon satellite surveillance network gave new capabilities but also controversy over its possible use for commercial interests and privacy breaches, raising the need for transparency and oversight.

Now the world of Cyber is bringing new threats to privacy, espionage and security. It brings new offensive capabilities, as when ASD cyber operators quickly degraded Daesh communications. It also significantly blurs the threshold of war – as when the US engages in offensive cyberspace operations supporting Ukraine. The authors note that good governance of cyberspace is a complex challenge for all. It took two decades after nuclear bombs were first used for ethical agreements such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to be reached. But we urgently need ethical “rules of the road” for Cyber, given its use for intellectual theft, propaganda, election influence, financial fraud, as well as espionage and military offensive operations.

Cyber is all the more challenging with cloud technology, AI, robotics, autonomous systems and quantum computing, combined with an accelerating tempo of change and an uncertain future. The domain is still evolving. Australia’s response includes the establishment of the Australian Cyber Security Centre and Defence’s Information Warfare Division. The REDSPICE blueprint announced in 2022 has a $9.9 billion budget over ten years to increase capability across Defence, Cyber and Space spheres including tripling offensive capabilities. But the challenges show Australia needs honest debate, our best minds and highest integrity in the domain. It is heartening to read the 2020 Cyber Security Strategy stating “we deny and deter while balancing the risk of escalation. Our actions are lawful and aligned with the values we seek to uphold and will therefore be proportionate.” (p.326) Yet we need ethical operators and appropriate oversight systems to ensure resilience as well as ethics, as former head of MI6 Alex Younger said, “You can tell a lot about the soul of a country from its intelligence services.” (p.333)

Aside from political, military and technological history, a highlight of the book is featuring the heroes of signallers themselves. I loved reading about signalman John Varcoe on HMAS Parramatta and Jack Ryan on HMAS Sydney; the academics who brought their different mathematical or classics skills to the cryptographical challenges; the mainly female team in Geelong who decrypted compromised codes in WWI; Australian linguist and codebreaker Captain Eric Nave who early decoded Japan’s intentions for war; Florence McKenzie or “Mrs Mac” trainer of wartime women signallers for WWII; and the Electronic Warfare Operators or “Bears” who supported Special Forces operations in the Middle East.

The whole book gave me fresh appreciation for these soldiers, sailors, aviators, cyber operators and public servants who have served, are serving and are preparing to serve in Australia’s defence. British PM David Cameron gave commemorative badges with the words “We also served” inscribed on the back to WWII Siginters in recognition of their unsung work and oath of secrecy. Echoing that esteem, Revealing Secrets urges me to express “Thank you for your service”, and indeed thank you for your ethics, resourcefulness and even larrikinism, to Australian Siginters whose stories cannot always be publicly told and on whom Australia is increasingly reliant.

Revealing Secrets

Notes

Publisher details:  Revealing Secrets: An unofficial history of Australian Signals intelligence & the advent of cyber, by Clare Birgin and John Blaxland. Sydney: UNSW Press, 2023. 464pp. ISBN: 9781742237947. RRP P/back AU$49.99; EBook AU$24.99

The views expressed in this review are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Australian Army, the Department of Defence or the Australian Government.

Project Lali 2023. 

Article by Lieutenant Lachlan Ross – 127th Signal Troop, 1st Signal Regiment.

In July 2023, a contingent of sixteen Australian Defence Force and New Zealand Defence Force members force concentrated at the 1st Signal Regiment before departing for The Kingdom of Tonga on Project Lali 2023. Project Lali has been a key feature of the Tonga-Australia Defence Cooperation Program since 2013 and has seen multiple iterations dedicated to the installation and maintenance of Communication and Information Systems infrastructure.

_{After arriving at Fua’amotu International Airport, the team worked with His Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) Communication Information Technology (CIT) unit members to move the project equipment to Taliai Military Camp on Tongatapu.}

Project Lali 2023 was especially significant, as it followed the December 2021 volcanic eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai that caused significant and widespread damage to the archipelago. The resultant plume of ash rendered cellular networks unusable, and the tsunamis (that could felt as far north as the Russian Far East) caused significant damage to existing radio networks. Consequently, one of the key lines of effort for the project was to install a nationwide fixed and mobile High Frequency (HF) radio network, capable of enabling humanitarian aid and disaster relief activities between His  Majesty’s Armed Force (HMAF) and other local government agencies.

Under this joint program, Telecommunications Network Engineers, Battlespace Communications Specialists, an Electrician and a Medical Technician worked together with HMAF to install a resilient HF communications network with a solar powered battery power solution. The team installed equipment at six military sites across the four main island groups of Tongatapu, Vava’u, Ha’apai and Eua, working closely with HMAF to maximise training on the new network. The solar battery storage facilities ensure that HMAF have uninterrupted power and communications during times of humanitarian and disaster relief activities, operations and training.

_{(Left) CPL Murphy and SIG Sinclair work with soldiers from HMAF’s CIT unit to install a 4047 Automatic tuning HF horizontal dipole antenna on the roof of Fangata Military Camp on Eua. In conjunction with a 4050-ip HF Software Defined Radio, this system makes up one of ten similar installations across Tonga’s four island groups. (Right) LCPL Gibson training soldiers from HMAF’s CIT unit on the set-up and operation of a PRC-4090 HF tactical man-pack day-package, rapid deployable two wire dipole antenna and five-meter elevation kit: one of twelve sets delivered to HMAF on Project Lali 2023. These two capabilities form a robust and resilient HF network, capable of enabling command and control to HMAF HQ.}

In October 2023, a small contingent from the 1st (Australian) Division, including personnel from the 1st Signal Regiment, attended Exercise LONGREACH 2023 in Tonga. A key outcome of this exercise was to confirm the efficacy of the newly installed HF and solar capabilities and work with HMAF to refine their radio communication operating procedures. HMAF’s new HF infrastructure offers a robust failsafe medium for communications that the Tongan National Emergency Management Office can rely on during times when communications throughout the archipelago become degraded.

Project Lali 2023 and Exercise LONGREACH 2023 were both highly successful, not only at installing and employing a HF radio network, but also in upholding and strengthening relationships between the ADF, NZDF and HMAF. During times when the collective security of the Indo-Pacific is more important than ever, these key activities have also strengthened  the relationship between the Australian and Kingdom of Tonga governments and reinforced Australia’s position with its South West Pacific Family.

_{The Project Lali 2023 contingent with members from HMAF HQ and CIT unit at the completion of scheduled installation work.}