Saab Systems in major ANZAC frigate contract

South Australian-based defence systems company Saab Systems Pty Ltd has secured part of a major upgrade to the ANZAC class frigates with a total project value of around $500 million.

Saab Systems will lead the development of an advanced combat systems capability as part of the ANZAC Alliance, which also includes the Defence Materiel Organisation and Tenix Defence.

The new systems will include the Mk3 E Combat Management System and integrate new sensors and weapons needed to meet the potential defence requirements of the 21st Century.

Underlining Saab’s key role in this important project is the appointment of Saab System’s employee, Ms Sheryl Lutz as Alliance Project Manager.

“Saab Systems will be seeking to provide our expertise through all the phases of this project, from system definition to procurement and through life support,” said Saab Systems Managing Director, Mr Merv Davis.

“We have been working with the ANZAC Frigate program since 1990, including providing the original combat system.

“Since then, we have undertaken the new capability upgrades for this ship class including the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, Advanced Harpoon Weapons Control System, Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar and the Nulka missile decoy.

“All this has resulted in making the ANZAC Class one of the world’s most capable frigates and proven Saab’s ability to form effective business partnerships with the best possible outcomes for the customer.

The new systems announced by the Government will include an upgrade of the Combat Management System and integration of an Infra Red Search and Track sensor.   This upgrade will deliver new wide-screen operator consoles and large screen displays.

The value of the contract to Saab Systems is around $120 million and a number of new systems engineering positions have been created at Saab Systems’ state-of-the-art head office in Adelaide.

11 May 2005