Integration of the complex combat systems on the Royal Australian Navy’s existing guided missile destroyers and Hunter class frigates will be done in Australia, following an agreement between BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, Saab Australia and the Department of Defence.
The organisations have signed a Combat System Integration (CSI) Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with the aim to grow a long-term CSI capability for the Navy’s major surface combatants.
“Key to delivering the high-end warfighting capabilities for Australia's naval surface fleet is the design, installation and integration of the combat management systems into a warship, and that’s why we worked so hard to secure this collaborative arrangement with Defence, Lockheed Martin Australia and Saab Australia," Managing Director, BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, Craig Lockhart, said.
“Through close collaboration, we will establish an enduring Combat Systems Integration sovereign industrial capability for our nation.”
Specifically, the collaborative relationship will support CSI in surface vessels fitted with the US Navy’s Aegis combat management system – produced by Lockheed Martin and with an Australian interface developed by Saab Australia.
“As the manufacturer of Aegis, the world’s most advanced combat system, Lockheed Martin Australia is proud to integrate, deliver and sustain this key maritime capability that safeguards our nation together with our valued partners – Defence, BAE Systems and Saab Australia," Vice President of Operations Lockheed Martin RMS Australia and New Zealand, Steve Froelich, said.
“Working together makes us stronger. The CCA aligns all four organisations on a joint path of success to ensure Australia’s security, economic growth and ongoing military interoperability with the US and allied partners across the Indo-Pacific.”
A project team consisting of representatives from all four organisations has been assembled to work collaboratively to design, integrate, test and deliver the integrated combat system for the Hunter class frigates and the major combat systems upgrade to the Hobart class destroyers.
“Saab looks forward to working with our collaboration partners to build on the decades of combat system integration work we have successfully performed in partnership with the Department of Defence," Managing Director, Saab Australia, Andy Keough, added.
“Through this collaborative partnership, and as the nation’s sovereign combat management system provider for the Royal Australian Navy’s Surface Fleet, we are strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capability and jointly developing the skilled workforce we need to deliver future programs.”