More cash for next gen combat system

The federal government is to further expand Defence’s ‘next generation’ combat management system to include more naval platforms.

Today’s announcement by defence industry minister Melissa Price expands the Navy’s combat management system to include Maritime Mine Counter Measures and Military Survey Vessels.

Price said it would drive the next phase of growth and investment by Saab Australia, which is designated as Australia’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.”

The latest 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.

Price said in developing the system Saab Australia has created more than 100 local jobs as well as new opportunities for Australian businesses.

Saab signed an Enterprise Partnering Agreement with Defence in February 2020.

Price said: “In the first 12 months of the EPA, Saab has been awarded almost $20 million and welcomed 108 new staff across Australia.”

Saab Australia employs almost 600 highly skilled engineers, project managers and specialists delivering defence and security solutions.

Picture: saab.com

Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.