Australian Defence has concluded operational test and evaluation of mySPECTRA, a new software tool intended to modernise electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) management across the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The system, designed to streamline frequency assignment and protection for ADF units, is expected to become operational by March 2026.
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Personnel conducted two weeks of assessments in early November 2025, examining the software’s performance and workflow integration.
According to Defence Spectrum Office, director Paul Burford, these trials played a key role in identifying areas for improvement prior to deployment.
“The testing allows us to see how the services and ourselves will use the systems and identify any areas that need to be addressed,” Burford said.
mySPECTRA is designed to enable more effective planning and manoeuvre within the EMS during training activities and operations, which Defence considers an important element in managing the cyber domain.
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By GlobalDataBurford said the system could be used during a large joint training exercise where several ADF units require access to radio frequencies at the same time.
“It will enable the services to make more assignments themselves and speed up the provision of radio frequencies for what they require,” he added.
Previously, frequency clearance requests involved several manual approval processes, which delayed coordination efforts.
The introduction of mySPECTRA allows frequency managers to assign and de-conflict channels in real time, which Defence expects will reduce interference and support more reliable communications throughout ADF domains.
The system also introduces advanced analytical tools to facilitate more precise area-based planning.
Corporal Joshua Telfer, Land Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations Cell Detachment Commander at Army Headquarters, participated in the evaluation process.
“It’s going to improve the efficiency of what we do, because we spend a lot of time messing around with data transfers because the old software is outdated,” corporal Telfer said.
