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Saab has confirmed that it has partnered with Defence to provide fully integrated maintenance support for the Australian Army’s Ground Based Air Defence and radar capability.
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The deal will ensure "the availability and effectiveness of these important capabilities, which are fielded by 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery.
Under the $30 million arrangement, Saab will provide support for the range of systems forming the GBAD and CRAM solutions, including the Giraffe Agile Multi-Beam (AMB) radars and RBS 70 very short-range air defence weapon system.
“Long-term, top-class support is key to our offer and we look forward to continuing to help strengthen Australia’s GBAD and C-RAM capability with our expertise in complex integrated systems,” said Anders Carp, head of Saab’s business area surveillance.
Brigadier Ed Smeaton, Director General Land Manoeuvre Systems, said that consolidating existing arrangements into one Australian-managed prime contract with Saab would streamline operational support and save money.
“It delivers a more responsive and cost-effective solution for the support of a number of different radars, training and weapon systems designed to protect Australian soldiers and their equipment,” BRIG Smeaton said.
Saab is working closely with a number of key Australian businesses as part of the contract, which Defence said is "another example of Defence and industry working together to provide innovative solutions in support of capability".
Genpower Australia will provide support for mobile training facilities, and has over 30 years of experience in this field.
Opentec Solutions, a company that has previously worked with Defence to assist in peacekeeping operations, will supply rugged portable electronic computing equipment.
Finally, CD Power is a specialist in providing off-grid and mains-fail back-up power, allowing the Army’s radar system to operate under all conditions.
“Our operations in Australia are going from strength to strength. We’re committed to our relationship with the Australian Army and to contributing to keeping people and assets safe by supporting our nations’ ground based air defence capability,” said Andy Keough, managing director of Saab Australia.
