Several successful decades
The Australian and new Zealand navies had a clear idea of what they wanted. Instead of a traditional purchase of vessels from overseas, the ten new ANZAC class frigates were to be constructed in Australia in order to develop Australian industrial capability.
In 1988, when Saab bid on the $400 million combat systems integration contract, a key requirement was extensive transfer of both technology and skills.
The company
One of the key success factors was the formation of a new Saab company based in Australia; Saab Systems Pty Ltd. Th e company quickly established a working relationship between Australia and Sweden. Cooperating closely with Saab in Sweden, extensive technology transfer could be facilitated.
With its Swedish legacy, Saab Systems Pty Ltd quickly established a unique corporate culture blending Australian work ethic and local understanding with Swedish ingenuity.
The results truly speak for themselves. The company grew to become a top ten Australian defence company with nearly 300 employees – a trusted partner in capability development and sustainment for the Australian Defence Force.
Image: Grant Faint.
The benefits
As a direct result of the ANZAC ship project, the Australian defence industry has become more innovative – both through their own research and development and by gaining access to foreign technology.
Business practices have improved, leading to a culture change of continuous improvement. Moreover, export opportunities have increased signifi cantly, and with its new capabilities, the defence industry now plays an even greater role in Australia’s national security.
The future
In Australia, Saab has continued to further develop its systems integration capabilities. In 2006 the Australian based company was awarded a new contract for an upgraded version of the famous 9LV combat management system for the ANZAC class, and in 2007 another 9LV contract for the new CANBERRA class amphibious warfare ship.
Also, in a formal alliance with the Australian Defence Material Organisation and the shipyard Tenix, the ANZAC programme will be in continous development up until the year 2022.
Today combat systems integration is just one of several successful business areas for Saab in Australia, which has now diversified its operations into developing numerous army battlefield systems, as well systems for civil security.
Facts about the ANZAC programme
- The ANZAC ship contract was the largest single defence contract ever awarded in Australia and New Zealand
- The combat systems integration contract alone was $400 million
- For this contract, Saab in Australia was formed in 1988
- It grew to be a top ten defence company in Australia
- The ANZAC programme is one of Australia’s most successful defence procurements
- The frigate itself is one of the most capable in the world
|