Australian defence industry grows with next gen combat management system expansion

The expansion of Defence’s ‘next generation’ combat management system has created more than 100 local jobs and is creating new opportunities for Australian businesses.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the expanded combat management system will now include Maritime Mine Counter Measures and Military Survey Vessels.

Minister Price said it would drive the next phase of growth and investment by Saab Australia, the nation’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,” Minister Price said.

“Saab’s investment and recruitment since signing their Enterprise Partnering Agreement with Defence in February 2020 is clear evidence that the Morrison Government’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan is creating jobs and delivering sovereign capability.

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

Saab Australia is a key partner in the delivery of Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability, with almost 600 highly skilled engineers, project managers and specialists delivering defence and security solutions.

Today’s 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.

“This is another major milestone for the Morrison Government’s investment in a National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise, where $75 billion will be spent on maritime capabilities over the next decade,” Minister Price said.

For more information regarding opportunities associated with SEA 1905 Phase 1, visit AusTender at www.tenders.gov.au.