Saab contracted for Australian OPV systems deliveries

Luerssen Australia, the shipbuilder in charge of delivering of 12 new offshore patrol vessels to the Royal Australian Navy, has contracted Saab for the delivery of its systems for the new ships.

Under the contract, Saab will be responsible for delivering its Situational Awareness System (SAS) and the EOS 500 (electro-optical fire control director).

According to Saab, the contract is expected to run over the 12 year OPV shipbuilding program.

“Saab Australia is pleased to receive this order from Luerssen Australia. This is also an important step towards system commonality for the Navy, with 9LV installed, or contracted for delivery, across four classes of ships.” says Andy Keough, managing director for Saab Australia.

“The development work being undertaken by Saab in Australia will also support export opportunities and position us well for future maritime projects.”

Saab Australia will carry out the majority of the work in its Adelaide facilities, which will create and sustain up to 50 jobs. Local Australian companies will be contracted to fabricate selected components of the SAS including command consoles and computer cabinets, providing a high level of Australian industry participation and sovereign capability.