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Queensland’s Ferra Engineering has landed an export contract to supply parts for integration to Thales’ submarine optronics mast.
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Under the contract, Ferra will supply complex machined parts to the Thales optronics business in Glasgow. The parts will form a core component of the submarine’s visual system – the ‘eyes’ of the boat.
The contract will now allow Ferra’s products to be exported to Thales' optronics mast customers globally, variants of which are also being offered for Australia’s Future Submarine Program.
Ferra, which successfully competed against an established supply chain demonstrating for the contract, are already working with Thales Germany to manufacture Thales’ tactical navigation radar system for submarines - Phoenice.
Managing director of Ferra, Mark Arthur, said that this latest international contract is a great example of the competitiveness of Australian suppliers.
"This demonstrates that Ferra, and Australian industry broadly, can compete and be successful in manufacturing and supplying complex systems on the international stage," Arthur said.
"We are extremely proud of being a key partner to Thales globally."
Head of Thales’ optronics naval business, John McDonald, said Thales' participation in the Australian government's Global Supply Chain program, run by the Centre for Defence Industry Capability, has aided in Ferra's success.
"Thales continuously strives to improve the global competitiveness of its products and services including working with existing and new partners and suppliers," McDonald said.
"We are extremely pleased to extend the relationship with Ferra into this key area of our business."
