Saab Combat Management System for Australian Amphibious Ships

Saab AB, The Australian Department of Defence has announced on 21 June the selection of the Tenix-Navantia offer for two amphibious ships for the Australian Defence Force. As part of this selection, the Saab 9LV combat management system is the preferred system subject to successful negotiation. 
 
Merv Davis, Managing Director of Saab Systems said, “The Saab capability will be based on the technology already developed for the ANZAC class frigates and this confirms Saab’s leadership in naval combat systems in Australia since the 9LV is the only system to be fitted on two different classes of Australian ships. 
 
“Saab’s unique offering for this project included the existing skills, experience and infrastructure that have been built up over Saab’s 17 years of supporting naval combat systems in Australia.” 
 
The 9LV combat management system has been extremely reliable and highly capable for the Royal Australian Navy for the eleven years that it has already been at sea with the ANZAC class frigates. At the same time, Saab has developed a specialised workforce who initially developed this system and has since supported it through its life. The company is currently enhancing the system for the Navy’s Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade of the ANZAC class ships. The amphibious ship version of the system will be built from this most recently updated system. 
 
The scope of work for the amphibious ships has not been finalised yet but it can be expected that about 20 new personnel in a variety of engineering areas are likely to be hired as a result of this contract and together with personnel who will be progressively transferred from other tasks within the company a total workforce of some 75 people will be engaged in the project. 
 
The selection of Saab as a contractor for this project ensures the longevity of support to the Royal Australia Navy with skilled capabilities based in South Australia. It also confirms the company’s leading role in both naval and land force command and control systems and systems integration. 
 
“We are highly committed to the Australian Defence Force and pleased to be a part of this project to boost Australia’s amphibious capabilities,” Davis added.  
 
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