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Safran Electronics & Defense has announced it has entered into a strategic alliance with a western Sydney business to manufacture and support high-end defence and related technologies in Australia.
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As part of the alliance, Australia's Thomas Global Systems plans to create a specialist advanced manufacturing facility in Australia, which will provide production and long-term support for a range of Safran technologies, including Safran’s advanced PASEO sighting system.
The companies will also work together to maximise opportunities for Australian industry to participate in new defence and high-technology programs for local and export markets.
"The creation of this alliance is a huge vote of confidence in the capability of Australian industry to deliver world-class defence and aerospace technology," Angus Hutchinson, CEO of Thomas Global, said.
"We are proud to have been selected by Safran, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defence companies with leading technologies across optronics, avionics, electronics and mission critical software for civil and military markets.
"Our alliance with Safran will bring some of the most advanced defence manufacturing to Australia and will mean the entire PASEO family for land applications and potential maritime applications can be built in Australia, the only production location outside France."
Alexis de Pelleport, CEO of Safran Pacific said the partnership will see mature, cutting-edge capabilities and technology transferred to Australia.
"This establishes a platform for Australian industry to compete for significant local and export contracts," de Pelleport said.
"There is tremendous potential in this new alliance to increase employment, skills, and technology and export opportunities for the Australian defence industry. In fact, Safran is well known for dedication to innovative technology development and almost 11 per cent of all sales is invested in R&D involving 21 per cent of all employees.
"The future of the Australian defence industry is in high technology and exports. This alliance will focus on both these points to maximise the creation of skilled jobs in this country."
Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne congratulated Thomas Global on this important alliance.
"This is another vote of confidence in Australia’s defence industry, and the ability of companies like Thomas Global to produce some of the most advanced defence systems in the world," said Minister Pyne.
"The manufacture and support of high-end systems like the PASEO sighting systems in western Sydney, the only location outside France, will offer significant export opportunities for Australian industry."
The Safran Group in Australia, based at Bankstown Airport, supports critical systems for the ADF on major platforms including the Anzac Frigates, Landing Helicopter Docks and the Air Warfare Destroyers, along with the Tiger and MRH90 helicopters. Globally, Safran is a world leader in optronics, avionics and critical software, employing over 65,000 people worldwide.
Thomas Global Systems supports key Australian defence programs, including for the Collins Submarine, Hawkei armoured vehicle and produces a variety of advanced avionic display products that are in a wide range of commercial and military aircraft cockpits.
