INTRODUCTION
Chemring Australia provides specialist technology and solutions that support Australian Defence Force capability. Across several Defence programs, Chemring needed more than technical products alone. It needed a trusted delivery partner that could help translate contractual commitments into compliant, supportable and operationally ready capability.
THE CUSTOMER’S CHALLENGE
As Chemring has moved through acquisition and mobilisation to delivery, it initially faced different but connected capability-readiness challenges for a number of programs.
For LAND 500, Chemring had secured a prime contract to deliver the Tactical Electronic Warfare System – Dismounted capability but did not have an Australian project management office with the experience and capacity to coordinate the UK-based original equipment manufacturer and deliver an ASDEFCON statement of work.
Steve Dartnell, General Manager Force Protection at Chemring Australia commented:
“Chemring Australia’s core business is manufacturing and Land 500 was our first major capital acquisition project win. We didn’t have the expertise in-house to guide us through the process of delivering a complex capital acquisition project for Defence so we looked for a partner to provide us with that capability.”
For DEF(AUST) 5629B, a 400-plus-page contractor mission system operator manual needed to be restructured into a user handbook compliant with Defence standards.
For JP3025, Chemring required systems engineering and integrated logistics support expertise to develop a Safety Case and Disposal Plan within a constrained timeframe.
Together, these projects required specialist Defence knowledge, disciplined delivery governance and access to scalable expertise at the points it was needed most.
SOLUTION
Systematiq provided an integrated capability-delivery solution spanning project and program management, systems engineering, technical documentation and integrated logistics support. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, Systematiq tailored its support to each program: embedding an experienced project manager within Chemring for LAND 500; combining project management, systems engineering and technical writing for DEF5629B; and rapidly mobilising systems engineering and ILS specialists for JP3025.
This gave Chemring a single, trusted partner able to bridge the gap between contract requirements and introduction into service, while reducing delivery risk, accelerating readiness and maintaining Defence compliance.
IMPLEMENTATION
Systematiq worked as an extension of Chemring’s team, combining embedded project management with specialist resources that could be brought in as required. For LAND 500, the project lead was embedded at Chemring’s Mulgrave office and established the project plan used to govern delivery between Chemring, its UK-based team and the Commonwealth. Supporting specialists maintained the Contracted Master Schedule, prepared Contract Status Reports and helped manage mandated system reviews, providing the flexibility to scale support without adding unnecessary cost.
For DEF5629B, Systematiq first agreed a clear completion approach, then deconstructed and rebuilt the source manual to the required military technical publication standard. A structured gap analysis identified missing information, while project management and customer liaison secured current, applicable data from Chemring Australia, Chemring Technology Solutions and the Commonwealth.
For JP3025, Systematiq coordinated directly with the original equipment manufacturer, Chemring and the Commonwealth, including an in-country engineering workshop, to gather the evidence needed for the Safety Case and Disposal Plan. Across all three engagements, Systematiq aligned stakeholders, resolved information gaps early and kept delivery focused on the capability outcome.
RESULT
Chemring successfully delivered the LAND 500 project on time and on budget, while maintaining control of delivery costs. Systematiq’s embedded project leadership also helped identify opportunities to bring deliverables forward, improve cash flow and support the negotiation of an additional $3 million in project revenue.
Steve Dartnell described Systematiq as an ideal partner, providing access to experienced personnel with a deep understanding of Defence processes:
“That we were able to deliver the Resolve System, along with the range of engineering and support CDRLs required as part of the contract – on time and on budget, was due in the main to the excellent professional support we received from the Systematiq team.”
The DEF5629B project engagement converted a 400-plus-page original equipment manufacturer manual into a user-friendly handbook compliant with ASDEFCON standards, creating a sound foundation for future operator, data and logistics content. For JP3025, the Safety Case and Disposal Plan were completed on time and to the client’s satisfaction.
Collectively, the engagements demonstrate how Systematiq helps Defence suppliers move from contract to capability with fewer surprises: providing the right support from the start, creating greater certainty over delivery, and bringing Defence-ready capability into service with confidence.
THE VALUE OF A TRUSTED CAPABILITY PARTNER
For a manufacturer delivering its first major capital acquisition, Chemring needed Defence program experience without the cost of building a permanent project office. Systematiq worked as an extension of Chemring’s team, helping it:
- deliver LAND 500 on time and on budget while improving cash flow and growing project revenue;
- access project management, systems engineering, technical writing and ILS specialists as needed, without fixed overhead; and
- align the OEM, Chemring and the Commonwealth early, so deliverables were completed to standard and on time.
From contract to capability, Systematiq helps Defence suppliers move forward with fewer surprises and greater certainty.
