Session 2.8c Update: Mid-project Retrospective - Lessons in Military CIS Integration in Land Platforms 2026
Tracks
ㅤ
| Wednesday, November 18, 2026 |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Menzies Theatre |
Presentation Outline
In an increasingly digitised battlefield, what does it take to get Military Communication and Information Systems (CIS) products into the hands of users in the field? While the technical challenges are complex, the complexity of the trade controls like ITARs/EAR, interoperability standards and the interplay of legacy systems against new technologies presented in both government furnished equipment and innovative technologies are all issues that need to be addressed in modern platform development and capability life cycle. This presentation will explore the lessons learnt by Hanwha’s C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) integration team in the development of Australia’s next generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle the AS21 Redback and the world’s best protected and bestselling Self-Propelled Howitzer in the AS9 Huntsman.
Through the lens of five key challenges faced by HDA during the development of these vehicles, this presentation explores the lived experience of integrating against evolving Interface Control Documentation, where Australianisation and Export Control frameworks provide opportunities as well as challenges. Attendees will gain an understanding of the various capabilities HDA needed to develop to deliver in this environment and how suppliers, integrators and customers alike can work together to deliver large programs against accelerated timeframes. Subject matter experts from Hanwha Defence Australia are looking forward to a frank and fearless question and answer session as part of the format, with both online and in person delegates.
Speaker
Mr Ryan Veale
Electronic Architecture Manager - C4ISREW & E3
Hanwha Defence Australia
ㅤ
Biography
Ryan Veale is the Electronic Architecture Manager – C4ISREW & E3 at Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA).
In this role he delivers C4ISREW (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare) and E3 (Electromagnetic Environmental Effects) capabilities for the Australian Army’s AS9 and AS10 Huntsman vehicles and the AS21 Redback Infantry fighting Vehicle.
He leads a multidisciplinary team of more than 45 Engineers and Technicians, providing functional leadership for C4ISREW engineering capability across HDA. His role encompasses workforce development, technical governance, systems architecture, requirements management, integration, verification & validation, safety, and engineering assurance.
Working closely with Defence, local industry, and project stakeholders to transform operational requirements into robust and sustainable solutions, Ryan has been with HDA since early 2023, evolving his skills as the company grows.
Before joining Hanwha, Ryan held systems engineering roles with L3Harris Technologies, contributing to the SEA 1180 program to deliver the Offshore Patrol Vessel and Universal Motion Simulation (UMS) working on the LAND 400 Phase 2 program.
A Chartered Professional Engineer, Ryan is recognised for his technical leadership, systems thinking, and ability to build high-performing teams while delivering practical, operationally relevant outcomes on significant Defence programs. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) from Deakin University and is a Chartered Professional Engineer in Mechatronics Engineering and Systems Engineering.
In this role he delivers C4ISREW (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare) and E3 (Electromagnetic Environmental Effects) capabilities for the Australian Army’s AS9 and AS10 Huntsman vehicles and the AS21 Redback Infantry fighting Vehicle.
He leads a multidisciplinary team of more than 45 Engineers and Technicians, providing functional leadership for C4ISREW engineering capability across HDA. His role encompasses workforce development, technical governance, systems architecture, requirements management, integration, verification & validation, safety, and engineering assurance.
Working closely with Defence, local industry, and project stakeholders to transform operational requirements into robust and sustainable solutions, Ryan has been with HDA since early 2023, evolving his skills as the company grows.
Before joining Hanwha, Ryan held systems engineering roles with L3Harris Technologies, contributing to the SEA 1180 program to deliver the Offshore Patrol Vessel and Universal Motion Simulation (UMS) working on the LAND 400 Phase 2 program.
A Chartered Professional Engineer, Ryan is recognised for his technical leadership, systems thinking, and ability to build high-performing teams while delivering practical, operationally relevant outcomes on significant Defence programs. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) from Deakin University and is a Chartered Professional Engineer in Mechatronics Engineering and Systems Engineering.
