Australian Defence Force Ground Support Equipment

Our approach to asset management encompasses the entire asset life cycle, from conceptualisation to disposal. In recognition of the value operational assets provide to an organisation, we streamline and make accessible the maintenance of our clients’ asset to maximise cost and productivity savings.

Based at over 20 operating bases in Australia and internationally, we currently provide asset management for 284 different fleets under our Commonwealth contract, covering an estimated 9,500 separate assets.

The ADF GSE includes items used to conduct or support aerospace and airfield operations and maintenance. There are two main capabilities supported by the delivery of GSE services:

• weapon system (or platform) centric capabilities which use GSE to support ground-based aircraft operations (ground handling, loading, preparation for flight) and as an input to aircraft maintenance operations; and
• the air base capability which uses GSE, and other equipment sets, to operate and maintain the airfield environment.

At a glance:

• Implement a scalable Asset Management approach to Defence
• Integrated with the Defence workforce, systems and policies to enhance visibility of all asset data
• Operating Support Services including a 24/7 Service Desk with 12,500+ cases since start of contract
• Managing a GSE fleet of 9,500+ assets (approx. 40% of defence’s aviation GSE) across more than 284 types at over 20 operating bases

Enhancing customer solutions

Since 2018, Babcock have consistently met and exceeded Key Performance Indicators. This resulted in the contract being rescoped in 2022, and services increasing by 40%. This growth was a direct result of our demonstrated commitment to innovation and agility within the contract.

Consequently, we generated further job and service line opportunities growing the total equipment lines managed from 164 to 284, and our employees from 16 to 50+ on this particular contract.

Also in 2022, we broke ground in industry for innovation in sustainment through the introduction of a specialised telematics program across the assets under our Ground Support Equipment contract.

The solution was discreet hardware that adhered to all the assets under the GSE contract to feedback usage, signs of diminishing efficiency, and anticipatory services. The technology was developed to be fit for purpose use within the defence space, using electromagnetic signals to feedback encrypted data to dashboards at both Babcock and client.

Beyond providing real-time data insights on the status of managed assets, we have been able to significantly improve cost efficiencies for the Commonwealth, including identifying underutilised surplus assets on sites, and moving them to maintained storage. Doing this over the longer term helps prolong asset lifespan and provide an asset pool for the Commonwealth to pull from to replace equipment, avoiding unnecessary downtime associated with reactive procurement.

Further cost benefits arising from this project include total cost of ownership savings, reduction of asset over maintenance, and the overall extension of the life of the Commonwealth’s fleet.