Defence has announced the expansion of the Navy’s ‘next generation’ combat management system to include Maritime Mine Counter Measures and Military Survey Vessels.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the project would drive the next phase of growth and investment by Saab Australia, the nation’s sovereign Combat Management System provider.
“This project will create Australian jobs for engineers and project managers, developing further capability within the industrial supply chain and supporting a major, multi-million dollar expansion of Saab’s South Australian and West Australian facilities,” Minister Price said.
“Saab’s investment and recruitment since signing their Enterprise Partnering Agreement with Defence in February 2020 is clear evidence that the Morrison Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan is creating jobs and delivering sovereign capability.
“In the first 12 months of the EPA, Saab has been awarded almost $20 million and welcomed 108 new staff across Australia.”
Saab Australia’s Managing Director, Andy Keough, welcomed Minister Price’s announcement.
“The combat management capability of the RAN’s surface fleet has been underpinned by Saab’s 9LV CMS for over 30 years,” Keough said. “Saab has consistently grown this combat-proven capability to incorporate all aspects of combat systems engineering, development and sustainment, ensuring the unique requirements of Australia’s Navy continue to be met.
“The Government’s enterprise approach has guaranteed sovereign control of advanced technologies, as well as the development of a long-term sustainable Australian CMS industry and opportunities for local SMEs in the defence supply chain.”
According to Minister Price, Saab Australia is a key partner in the delivery of Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability, with almost 600 highly skilled engineers, project managers and specialists delivering defence and security solutions.
The announcement means Saab’s CMS will be equipped on six of the RAN’s classes of vessels: Anzac, Canberra, Supply, Arafura, Mine Countermeasures and Military Survey Vessels. They are also working with Lockheed Martin Australia and BAE Systems Maritime Australia on a special Aegis hybrid system on the upcoming Hunter class program.