BAE Systems will host an Australian defence industry trade mission in Glasgow for Australian companies wanting to grow their businesses through participation in global defence programs and defence exports.
Around 50 Australian business leaders will be briefed on current and future shipbuilding projects in the UK and see how manufacturing of the first Type 26 Global Combat Ship for the Royal Navy is progressing when they tour BAE Systems’ shipyard on the River Clyde.
The tour will also provide industry representatives with an insight into BAE Systems’ ‘digital shipbuilding’ processes and methodologies.
The digital technology will demonstrate how aspects of a ship can be ‘live and accessible’ to all involved in the design, build and maintenance, operation and future upgrades.
“This trade mission aims to do two key things," BAE Systems SEA 5000 managing director Nigel Stewart said.
"Firstly, it will provide Australian industry with greater insight into how technology within BAE Systems is revolutionising shipbuilding. And, secondly, it will open the door to global defence opportunities in the maritime domain.
“BAE Systems has committed to opening up its annual supply chain expenditure of more than $18bn to Australian industry. If we can help, support or work alongside industry or provide new opportunities to grow their businesses, the end result is a stronger, more sustainable national defence industry.”
The tour comes ahead of the Sea 5000 decision, for which BAE is offering an Australian version of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship.