Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saab Australia. This agreement aims to explore opportunities for collaboration on the MEKO A-200 frigate platform, with a focus on enhancing naval capabilities through joint innovation and integration.
“This MoU with Saab Australia reflects our proven approach to naval shipbuilding and longterm collaboration with trusted partners,” Executive Vice President of Operating Unit Surface Vessels at Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Oliver Juckenhöfel, stated.
The MoU was formalised at the Consulate-General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sydney in the presence of Director-General for Armaments in the German Federal Ministry of Defense, Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, who emphasised the strategic value of such partnerships.
“Collaborations like this one show how international industry partnerships can strengthen national defence capabilities,” Stawitzki affirmed.
This collaboration will use Saab’s Australian Combat System (AusCMS) already in service across the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) surface fleet. The AusCMS provides enterprise level interoperability, training, substainment, and operational benefits, contributing to the sovereign capability of Australia’s defence industry.
“We are proud to contribute to a robust and sovereign naval capability through a model that has proven successful across multiple navies,” Juckenhöfel added.
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has previously delivered the ANZAC frigates to the RAN and allegedly supported similar projects across 16 navies – including six NATO members.