Parakeet (communication system)

For the bird, see Parakeet.

Parakeet is an Australian Army mobile battlefield communication system, developed by AWA Defence Industries.^[1] Parakeet utilises a satellite radio system,^[2] which supports remotely deployed units, allowing communication for land forces.

Development

It was first introduced into service in the mid-1990s through project JP65. Parakeet was considered (at the time) advanced military communications. This included secure voice and data trunking services.

Project JP2072 was raised in 2017,^[3] to upgrade its sub-systems. As described in the project summary, Parakeet was developed as a Battlespace Communications System Land (BCS-L), aiming to replace older, less effective Battlefield Telecommunications Network (BTN).^[4] It was operated by Royal Australian Corps of Signals (RASIGS^[5]) personnel.