Fixed High Frequency Radio Refresh

The Fixed High Frequency Radio Refresh (FHFRR) project is replacing the Defence Force’s existing high frequency (HF) radio system, which is at the end of its economic and operating life. It will increase the efficiency of system delivery through the rationalisation of the number of radio sites.

HF radio is an important part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF's) communications network. It enables long range communications with smaller assets that are deployed far from New Zealand, and provides resilience by acting as a back-up capability if satellite communications are unavailable.

The NZDF's existing HF radio system is about 40 years old and, even with maintenance over time, has reached the end of its life.  

The project addresses this by modernising and upgrading the HF radio system and ensuring through-life support. This project was formerly known as Strategic Bearer Network Project – Phase Two.  

The scope of the project includes, but is not limited to:

  • Upgrading land-based infrastructure in New Zealand (including transmitters, receivers, and other equipment);
  • Updating the Joint Remote Control System to control all NZDF HF equipment;
  • The introduction of a frequency management and prediction system;
  • The introduction of Automatic Link Establishment/Management;
  • Integration of the new HF System into the NZDF’s network command and control system; and
  • Installation of supplied cryptographic equipment.

A Request for Information was issued for this project in 2015. This information informed development of the Single Stage Business Case, which was approved in June 2018.  

A contract was signed with Babcock New Zealand on 27 February 2020.

The design solution for the new system is near completion. Planning is progressing for installation of the new HF antennae and communications equipment at the two transmitter and receiver sites, and two operational centres. 

The Fixed High Frequency Radio Refresh (FHFRR) project is replacing the Defence Force’s existing high frequency (HF) radio system, which is at the end of its economic and operating life. It will increase the efficiency of system delivery through the rationalisation of the number of radio sites.

HF radio is an important part of the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF's) communications network. It enables long range communications with smaller assets that are deployed far from New Zealand, and provides resilience by acting as a back-up capability if satellite communications are unavailable.

The NZDF's existing HF radio system is about 40 years old and, even with maintenance over time, has reached the end of its life.  

The project addresses this by modernising and upgrading the HF radio system and ensuring through-life support. This project was formerly known as Strategic Bearer Network Project – Phase Two.  

The scope of the project includes, but is not limited to:

  • Upgrading land-based infrastructure in New Zealand (including transmitters, receivers, and other equipment);
  • Updating the Joint Remote Control System to control all NZDF HF equipment;
  • The introduction of a frequency management and prediction system;
  • The introduction of Automatic Link Establishment/Management;
  • Integration of the new HF System into the NZDF’s network command and control system; and
  • Installation of supplied cryptographic equipment.

A Request for Information was issued for this project in 2015. This information informed development of the Single Stage Business Case, which was approved in June 2018.  

A contract was signed with Babcock New Zealand on 27 February 2020.

The design solution for the new system is near completion. Planning is progressing for installation of the new HF antennae and communications equipment at the two transmitter and receiver sites, and two operational centres.