Philip Smart | Adelaide
Saab in Australia has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of a competitive evaluation for the Future Submarine (SEA 1000) program and believes it could build and deliver a submarine in Adelaide within 10 years.
In an unsolicited proposal to the Commonwealth in November 2014, Saab outlined that the company could build submarines in Adelaide at a competitive cost.
In an announcement released overnight the company has restated its commitment to the competition.
“The build of the Collins class saw a huge involvement by Australian industry, which we believe can be replicated again in the Future Submarine program,” said Dean Rosenfeld, Managing Director of Saab Australia.
“We are delighted that the Australian Government has taken this step and we look forward to demonstrating our capabilities through a transparent process.”
Following its acquisition of Collins class submarine designer Kockums last year, Saab now has over 100 years of submarine design and building expertise.
The company believes its 25 years of operations and experience in Australia have demonstrated its ability to transfer technology to Australia and that Saab has proven to be a reliable partner for the Australian Defence Force.
“Based on our previous experience building submarines in Australia and Sweden and involvement in many other programs around the world, we believe that the first submarine could be built in Adelaide and delivered within ten years,” Dean Rosenfeld said.
“This will substantially reduce the cost and risk not just for the build but also for the sustainment program.
Sweden is one of the few countries in the world currently developing a next-generation submarine, and a partnership would provide Australia with an opportunity to have an advanced submarine which meets Australia’s unique requirements.”