SAAB Australia’s new contract to build the tactical interface for the Future Frigates and the combat management system for future non-combat vessels will create 150 new jobs.
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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced that SAAB Australia will provide its 9LV Combat Management System – the brains of the ship – for all ships in the Navy, except the Future Frigates and Air Warfare Destroyers, which will have an Aegis combat system with an Australian developed SAAB interface to manage the non-American systems.
Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said South Australians are set to benefit from the decision.
"The future is bright for South Australian defence industry with SAAB Australia one of the biggest beneficiaries of the government’s combat management system decision earlier this week," Minister Pyne said.
"SAAB Australia estimates they will need to employ an additional 150 staff members as a direct result of this decision.
"What we are seeing is a real transition in our economy to advanced manufacturing in defence industry as a direct result of this government’s decisions to carry out it’s $89 billion naval shipbuilding program locally."
SAAB Australia is headquartered in Adelaide at Mawson Lakes, a hub for defence companies including Lockheed Martin.