In an
unsolicited proposal to the Commonwealth in November 2014, Saab outlined
that the company could build submarines in Adelaide at a competitive
cost.
“The build of the Collins class saw a huge involvement by Australian
industry, which we believe can be replicated again in the Future Submarine
program. We are delighted that the Australian Government has taken this
step and we look forward to demonstrating our capabilities through a
transparent process,” said Dean Rosenfield, Managing Director
of Saab Australia.
Following the acquisition of Saab Kockums last year, Saab now has over
100 years of submarine design and building expertise. In 25 years of
operations and experience in Australia, Saab has repeatedly proven its
ability to transfer technology to Australia and has demonstrated itself
as a reliable partner to the Australian Defence Force.
“Based on our previous experience building submarines in Australia
and Sweden and involvement in many other programs around the world,
we believe that the first submarine could be built in Adelaide and delivered
within ten years. This will substantially reduce the cost and risk not
just for the build but also for the sustainment program” said
Dean Rosenfield.
Sweden is one of the few countries in the world currently developing
a next-generation submarine, and a partnership would provide Australia
with an opportunity to have an advanced submarine which meets Australia’s
unique requirements.
Saab employs over 14,000 people worldwide, including 2,500 employees
in the naval domain and over 200 naval systems engineers in Adelaide,
South Australia. |
Saab new generation SSK Kockums A26, will be designed for mainly littoral
operations but will also possess ocean-going capabilities. Picture:
Saab