BAE Systems Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saab Australia to maximise Australian industry involvement in its bid for the Army's major combat vehicle program.
BAE Systems is the prime contractor pursuing Defence program Land 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability with Patria of Finland.
Saab products are inherent in the vehicle design and are in service already with other variants internationally.
Joining forces with Saab Australia will allow the BAE Systems-Patria team to substantially exceed the 200 Australian advanced manufacturing jobs and $100 million in supply chain value already identified by the team for the manufacturing phase of the program.
The vehicles will then be sustained in Australia for the next 30 years.
BAE Systems Australia’s Director – Land & Integrated Systems Graeme Bent said the company bid for Land 400 seeks to strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability and maximise Australian industry involvement within its supply chain.
“Our offer will replicate overseas success for manufacturing and sustaining the Patria Armoured Modular Vehicle (AMV), in Australia,” Bent said.
“The vehicle has been successfully manufactured in countries outside of Finland and has a strong track record for technology transfer to user nations.”
The two companies will transfer intellectual property and design artefacts for manufacture, sustainment and upgrades throughout the vehicle’s life of type.
Saab will provide key sub-systems and in-service support and will further develop Australian capability in the combat vehicle market.
Saab Australia’s Managing Director Dean Rosenfeld added his company was keen to draw on its global expertise and experience to provide key sub-systems into the BAE Systems-Patria solution for Land 400.
“Saab already has a significant presence in Australia and this collaboration will enable us to further grow our business in the Land domain,” Rosenfeld said.