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The defence company is expanding its operations in preparation for the LAND 129 Phase 3 and SEA 129 Phase 5 projects.
Schiebel Pacific has revealed that it is hiring remote pilots and maintenance technicians, and upgrading its facility in Yerriyong, NSW.
According to Schiebel, it is scaling up in preparation for its contribution to the LAND 129 Phase 3 Tactical Unmanned Air System (TUAS) project for the Australian Army, and the upcoming SEA 129 Phase 5 for the Royal Australian Navy.
However, the company is yet to be awarded with the LAND 129 Phase 3 TUAS contract, for which it is partnering with defence prime Raytheon Australia to produce CAMCOPTER S-100 UAS units.
Schiebel Pacific also aims to establish an in-country sovereign Australian training capability to deliver tailored training solutions for the Australian Defence Force’s requirements at land and sea.
“We are growing our footprint in Australia as we’re confident that the demand for our CAMCOPTER S-100 will continuously grow,” Andrew Watson, general manager at Schiebel Pacific said.
“Therefore, we are investing substantially in not only creating Australian jobs but also the transfer of knowledge and skills to Australia and the wider region.
“Just as important, we are increasing our network of local SMEs, to make sure we are aligned with the Australian government’s policies on Australian industry content.”
Schiebel’s announcement comes just days after Raytheon Australia pledged to set up an Asia-Pacific manufacturing and sustainment hub for S-100 UAS in the Shoalhaven region of NSW.
Raytheon has stated that if selected for the LAND 129 project, it would develop and maintain the UAS units alongside three Shoalhaven-based SMEs — Schiebel Pacific, Air Affairs Australia and Innovation Composites.
According to Raytheon, its offering would create approximately 20 new jobs and inject approximately $50 million in the local economy over the life of the program.
[Related: Raytheon Australia pledges to open UAS facility in NSW ]
