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Saab Australia has partnered with New Zealand maritime electronics firm Wright Technologies, signing an MOU aimed at expanding collaboration across defence and maritime projects as Wellington embarks on a major rebuild of the New Zealand Defence Force.
The agreement brings together Saab’s global expertise in advanced defence technology, particularly underwater and complex systems integration, with Wright Technologies’ six decades of local experience in maritime engineering, installation, repair and maintenance across New Zealand and the wider South Pacific.
Saab is internationally recognised for its cutting-edge underwater systems, including autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, mine countermeasure technology and advanced sonar platforms designed for harsh ocean conditions.
Above the surface, Saab’s 9LV combat management system is a mainstay of navies worldwide, while its TactiCall integrated communications suite provides secure, interoperable voice and data networks for ships, aircraft and joint forces.
Wright Technologies, a trusted partner to both defence and commercial operators, has played a key role in supporting New Zealand’s naval fleet, coastal surveillance capabilities and commercial maritime industry. Its engineering teams provide life cycle support for a range of mission-critical sensors, communications systems and vessel platforms.
Under the MOU, Saab and Wright Technologies will explore opportunities to support the New Zealand government’s Defence Policy and Strategy Statement and the multi-year plan to rebuild capability across the NZDF’s land, air and maritime forces.
This includes strengthening maritime domain awareness, modernising naval platforms and enhancing New Zealand’s ability to operate in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region.
Saab already has a footprint in New Zealand, with the TactiCall communications system in service and Saab remotely operated vehicles employed for underwater inspection, repair and intervention tasks.
The new partnership aims to expand this presence by aligning Saab’s proven technologies with Wrights’ local workforce, maintenance capability and regional knowledge.
Industry observers said the agreement reflects a broader trend of New Zealand’s deepening cooperation with trusted international defence partners as it faces rising strategic pressures, ageing military equipment and increasing demands on its maritime forces across the Southern Ocean and South Pacific.
Further project announcements are expected as the two companies begin joint assessments of current capability gaps and emerging requirements within the NZDF.
