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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price have announced the signing of an enterprise partnering agreement with Saab Australia to deliver its ‘next generation’ combat management system.
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Minister Reynolds said Saab’s ‘next generation’ combat management system is a critical element of a ship’s fighting capability and will help to ensure Navy can protect Australia in the decades ahead.
The Saab ‘next generation’ combat management system will be delivered across Navy’s fleet, including the Anzac Class frigates, new Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels and Supply Class replenishment ships.
Saab Australia will also leverage their ‘next generation’ combat management system experience in the development of the Australian interface to the Aegis system, for the Hunter Class frigates and the Hobart Class destroyers.
Minister Reynolds said, "This commitment will enhance surface fleet interoperability and lethality, and support the ability to operate as a joint force with our coalition partners and allies."
This was reinforced by Minister Price, who said it was a great sign to see such advanced capability being developed here in Australia.
"For more than 30 years, Saab Australia has established a strong relationship with Navy in delivering the combat management systems for the Anzac Class frigates and Canberra Class landing helicopter dock vessels," Minister Price said.
She added, "This system was designed in Australia and is contributing to the build-up of our sovereign capability, which is crucial to delivering our Naval Shipbuilding Plan."
The Naval Shipbuilding Plan, released on 16 May 2017, outlines the government’s vision for the Australian naval shipbuilding enterprise and the significant investment required in coming decades.
The plan sets out how the government is delivering on the commitment to build a strong, sustainable and innovative Australian naval shipbuilding industry.
It provides the foundation for implementing the government’s commitment to the greatest regeneration of the country’s naval capability since the Second World War.
At the same time, it will create a long-term, sustainable naval shipbuilding and ship sustainment capability that will serve Australia's strategic and economic interests for many decades.
The Australian government is laying the foundations for an Australia-wide, continuous National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise, ending the boom-bust cycle that has afflicted the Australian naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.
This will provide certainty to local businesses and shipbuilding workers and provide direct and indirect employment opportunities for generations to come.
The government will invest:
- around $90 billion in new naval ships and submarines;
- more than $1 billion in modern shipyard infrastructure; and
- up to $62 million in workforce growth and skilling initiatives to enable the delivery of these platforms.
Four key enablers are required to implement the government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan:
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
