Thales Australia says it has enhanced its product portfolio through acquisition of a command-and-control system from Austral.

The system is called the Integrated Maritime Coordination and Surveillance System, or IMARCS, a command-and-control system that Austal has been delivering for Royal Australian Navy Armidale-class patrol boats.

Austral is also producing the system for Customs and Border Protection Service Cape-class patrol boats, which it is manufacturing.

"Thales recognizes the increasing demand for maritime situational awareness across all security and military operations," said Chris Lloyd, vice president for Maritime & Aerospace activities at Thales Australia. "The IMARCS product provides a good fit with the existing Thales portfolio of maritime mission solutions.

"Thales looks forward to working closely with Austal in delivering the Cape Class program and pursuing future opportunities together."

IMARCS integrates automatic identification systems, GPS and radar into a single operational picture, enhancing situational awareness, The picture can be shared -- from small boat to patrol vessel, to headquarters, in a real time network.

"Having successfully developed and integrated IMARCS into the early Cape Class vessels, Austal is delighted Thales has acquired the system and will leverage its expertise to enhance this capability," said Graham Backhouse, Austal president and general manager.