Session 3.4c: Update - Maritime Communications Evolution: Trends, Technologies and Future Capabilities for Naval Operations.
Tracks
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| Thursday, November 20, 2025 |
| 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
| Menzies Theatre |
Details
Maritime Communications technologies predate the advent of military radios, with flags, semaphore, and flashing light, all having important roles to play. In the present day, navies rely upon a range of voice and data communications technologies, spanning the radio frequency spectrum from Very Low Frequency up to Super High Frequency and beyond.
Communications channels provide the basis for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication, underpinning effective task group and joint operations. As maritime operations become more data intensive; as the spectrum becomes more contested; as tactical timelines become ever shorter, and the lines between communications, electronic warfare, and cyber continue to blur, communications systems must continue to evolve.
As a technology leader and recognised integrated communications systems provider to the Royal Australian Navy, Rohde and Schwarz will provide a non-commercial overview of the key deliverables of contemporary maritime communications systems, a review of the emerging maritime communications trends, and commentary on the capabilities and architectures that will be required into the 2030s and beyond.
Speaker
Mr Christopher Phillips
Head of Land and Joint Domains
Rohde and Schwarz Australia
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Biography
Charles Nuttall-Smith is Head of Maritime Domain for Rohde & Schwarz Australia. A Royal Australian Navy Principal Warfare Officer (Surface Warfare) and Force Warfare Officer, Charles served operationally at sea, and in roles across Fleet, Training, and Capability. Upon concluding his full time Navy service, Charles commenced in Defence industry with BAE Systems Australia in 2022.
Prior to joining the Navy, Charles had a twelve-year international investment banking career with Macquarie, predominantly in New York and later Toronto, Canada. Charles holds a Masters of Public Leadership and Policy, and a Bachelor of Finance, and brings a wealth of operational, programmatic and commercial experience and perspective.
