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Saab Australia has unveiled a critical new testing capability to support upgrades to Australia’s Hobart-class destroyer fleet.
The Hobart Australian Interface Reference Site has been established at Saab’s Sovereign Combat Systems Collaboration Centre, providing a dedicated environment to integrate and test systems before they are installed on the Royal Australian Navy’s air warfare destroyers.
At the heart of the upgrade is the Australian Interface, a locally developed system derived from the Navy’s Australian Combat Management System (AusCMS). Designed and built in Australia by Saab, the system is already deployed across the Navy’s surface fleet.
The Australian Interface brings together radar, electronic warfare and underwater systems, integrating them into the Aegis Combat System to enhance overall combat performance.
Saab Australia Managing Director Andy Keough said the new reference site marked a major milestone in delivering next-generation capability to the fleet.
“The Hobart AI reference site allows us to complete integration and testing of this advanced system before it is rolled out to the destroyers,” he said.
“In partnership with the Commonwealth, we’ve built a strong sovereign capability backed by a highly skilled engineering workforce and world-class facilities. This investment has the potential to deliver benefits beyond the naval domain, including possible applications for land forces.”
The Australian Interface is designed to ensure the Navy’s combat systems remain effective throughout the ships’ service life, reducing reliance on overseas providers and giving Australia greater control over upgrades and capability enhancements.
For the Navy, the approach is expected to lower development costs, reduce integration risks and deliver a more consistent operator experience across the fleet—ultimately improving value for money.
As part of the broader Hobart-class upgrade program, Saab will also supply its Multi Function Consoles to operate the new system. The company is working alongside BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin under a joint Combat Systems Integration Integrated Project Team.
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.
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