Safran to deliver optronic masts for Australian Attack subs

Lockheed Martin Australia and the Australian defense department have appointed Safran Electronics & Defense Australasia for the design of three major combat system components for the Royal Australian Navy’s Attack-class submarines.

The A$36.77 million contract, which will be in force until May 2023, will see Safran deliver the preliminary and detailed designs for the combat system’s optronics search and attack mast, navigation radar and navigation data distribution components.

The contract scope will also include delivery of prototypes and interface simulators to enable Lockheed Martin Australia, as the combat system integrator, to conduct further test activities and validate the integrated performance of the combat system in its Adelaide-based Combat System Architecture Laboratory (CSAL).

While the contract represents the initial phase of development activities (including the development of design up to and including the component-level critical design reviews), it will also see Safran establish sovereign capabilities at its new facility in Botany, NSW, for the build, integration and ongoing sustainment of these components.

As part of its delivery of this work, Safran said it would subcontract two Australian companies, Acacia Systems and Thomas Global Systems, for the design and development of software and hardware, respectively.

“The contract with Lockheed Martin Australia and the Department of Defence will allow us to meet our shared objective of supporting local employment and developing Australian expertise at our Botany facility and through our local partners,” Safran Electronics & Defense Australasia CEO, Alexis de Pelleport, said.