Bell Gully recently advised the Ministry of Defence on the acquisition of a new fixed high frequency radio capability from Babcock (NZ) Limited. The firm’s team was led by partner Angela Harford, together with solicitors Philip Zander and Luke Higgins.
Bell Gully partner Angela Harford said “Bell Gully is delighted to have advised the Ministry of Defence on the acquisition of a key communications capability that will enable the New Zealand Defence Force’s service people to undertake the humanitarian, constabulary and military tasks required of them”.
High frequency radio provides communications coverage in some of the world's most remote locations, and is a vital tool for the New Zealand Defence Force – especially in locations where satellites cannot reach and where ordinary radio communications do not work. It's also used as a back-up should satellite communications fail, are disrupted or are unavailable.
The investment has a capital cost of NZ$26.6 million, with the new high frequency system expected to be fully operational by August 2023. A support contract for $2 million per annum was also signed by the New Zealand Defence Force.
"The Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Defence Force perform countless valuable roles for our country on a daily basis - making access to reliable and modern technology vital. It was a privilege for the Bell Gully team to have worked with the Ministry and the New Zealand Defence Force on the acquisition of this new capability and associated support services." Angela said.