Saab Australia has entered into contracts with the Commonwealth of Australia to extend Combat Management Systems (CMS) development under the Enterprise Partnering Agreement (EPA).
“The Combat Management Systems EPA is a collaborative partnership between Saab and the Commonwealth that is strengthening sovereign capability and providing the RAN with the capabilities they need to protect Australia and its interests,” Saab Australia Managing Director, Andy Keough, said.
The contracts will enable the next stage of design, development and delivery of the sovereign Australian Combat Management System (AusCMS), including:
- Development of the upgraded Anzac class frigate CMS to enable first ship install and upgrading the Anzac land-based test site
- Development of the Australian Interface for the combat system on the Hobart class destroyers and Hunter class frigates, and associated Training and Support Systems.
Often referred to as the brain of a warship, the CMS connects sensors, effectors and communications systems, with the hope of enhancing decision making, capability and interoperability.
“Importantly, the EPA is creating a sustainable sovereign combat system capability and workforce to ensure Australia maintains a technological advantage into the future," Keough stated.
The modular and scalable AusCMS empowers the Commonwealth to choose the combat system elements required on each vessel to meet Australia’s unique maritime operational requirements.
This will be important for enabling speed to capability when introducing new capabilities on the Anzac class frigates, which will remain a critical element of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) surface fleet for the foreseeable future.
The EPA was established to provide a common and sovereign CMS across the RAN fleet to strengthen operational capabilities, provide timely delivery of future capabilities and promote more efficient training and sustainment.
Saab combat management systems are currently deployed on the RAN’s Anzac class frigates, landing helicopter docks, auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels and offshore patrol vessels. The Saab developed Australian Interface will be deployed on the upgraded air warfare destroyers and Hunter class frigates.