Insitu Pacific has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Tasmania-based Jayben Group to manufacture and deliver integrated launch and recovery hardware.
With the MOA, Jayben Group joins more than 20 other Australian SMEs as part of Insitu Pacific’s proposal to supply Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to the Australian Army for Land 129 Phase 3.
One of the key components of Insitu Pacific’s UAS is the expeditionary aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment that requires no nets and no runways.
“Jayben Group has proven expertise in local design, modification and manufacture that can meet bespoke mobility and transport requirements in the production of launch and recovery equipment for the ADF as well as our Asia-Pacific regional customers,” said Andrew Duggan, managing director Insitu Pacific.
“Building local capacity has the potential to create prospects for growth of a new technology industry within Tasmania and Royal Park, SA, along with sustainable jobs growth,” Duggan said. “It also introduces opportunities to export locally developed technology into new global markets.”
Local production provides for a cost-effective build phase as well as design modifications to meet the Australian Army’s specific vehicle requirements and roadworthiness demands. Longer term, it permits rapid support to deeper maintenance, and flexibility and responsiveness in adapting to the future requirements of the ADF and regional customers – whether fitting to new vehicles, ships or platform installations.
Allan Johnson from Jayben Group said that the defence sector was a new market opportunity for the company, which specialises in light to medium industrial plant and equipment, including design, engineering, manufacture, and domestic and international distribution.
“Our team’s expertise, the redevelopment of the Burnie facility in 2020, and a strong local supply chain put Jayben in a strong position to partner for ADF work and export opportunities,” said Johnson. “We look forward to leveraging our ongoing investment in our local community and building on our relationship with Insitu Pacific to explore opportunities to provide design, build and manufacturing services in support of the ADF.”