International defence robotics and mine countermeasures company ECA Group has joined forces with UGL, Australian multi-disciplined engineering company and member of the CIMIC Group, to cement its permanent operations in Australia.
The partnership will create an Australian hub for ECA Group’s mine countermeasures, military survey, (MCM/MS) and autonomous system technologies.
In a joint press release, the companies said the partnership adds 'immediate size and scale' to the team ECA Group has put together to 'enhance its operations and drive its plans for long-term growth in Australia'.
ECA Group has also established partnerships with Australian SMEs Acacia Systems, Solutions from Silicon (SfS) and Total Marine Technologies (TMT) with the aim of injecting local technology into its MCM/MS solution and facilitating the transfer of knowledge into the Australian Defence industry.
CEO Dominique Giannoni said ECA Group had launched a new Australian subsidiary - ECA Robotics Australia (ERA) - and would train Australian personnel to operate and sustain its technologies. The group says it is also building partnerships with universities and other research organisations to promote and assist in the development of an Australian research capability to evolve the robotic MCM/MS systems.
“We are very proud of the impressive team we have put together to spearhead our Australian operations,” Giannoni said.
“Working with UGL will fast track our plans and ensure we have the local knowledge and spread of people, skill and resources to establish a sovereign capability and tailor our technologies to meet and sustain Australian Defence requirements for the long term.”
“As primary support partner, UGL’s nationwide operations and established supply chain of more than 4,300 Australian companies are available to ensure sovereignty and long-term sustainment support for ECA Group’s world class technologies," UGL Managing Director Doug Moss added.
“Together, we provide the people, processes, systems and technologies needed to safely deliver effective support and meet stringent ASDEFCON contracting requirements.”
Headquartered in France, ECA Group is bidding for the Royal Australian Navy’s Sea 1905 Tranche 1 - Maritime Mine Countermeasures Survey program.