DISER invests $22 million to enhance Saab combat system facilities in Adelaide

Defence is investing over $22 million under the Collaboration Stream of the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative to help build Saab’s Sovereign Combat System Collaboration Centre. The investment will help establish South Australia as home of the country’s sovereign combat system capabilities. Saab manufactures the 9LV Mk3E combat management system for the RAN’s eight ANZAC-class frigates as well as the RAN’s LHDs and AORs and will be part of the Hunter-class frigate’s combat system alongside the Lockheed Martin AEGIS air warfare system.

The funding will amplify Australia’s strengths by bringing together small and medium businesses each with their own unique capabilities to create combat systems for future ADF platforms, says Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor.

The project is valued at some $75 million overall and Defence’s funding is designed to help ensure Australia’s combat systems are integrated with world-leading technology, by combining the expertise of small and medium manufacturers and building the highly-skilled workers of the future.

Saab’s Sovereign Combat System Collaboration Centre will provide a state-of-the-art facility to support Australia’s sovereign defence capability, address critical industry skills shortages, and help Australian small and medium businesses gain access to lucrative national and global defence supply chains.

The project is anticipated to create more than 950 jobs by 2027.

“Keeping Australians safe is one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities. Today’s funding from the Modern Manufacturing Initiative comes on top of the billions of dollars the Government is investing to build our sovereign manufacturing capability in defence,” Minister Taylor said.

“We want more Australian businesses to contribute to local and international defence supply chains, and more Australian innovation and intellectual property to be contributed to products supplied to the ADF and other markets.”