Saab Australia congratulates BAE Systems, looks forward to working on new Type 26 Frigates

Saab Australia will develop and supply the tactical interface for the nine Type 26 Frigates being built under the Future Frigate programme.

“The combination of BAE Systems first-class Type 26 frigate design and Saab’s tactical interface, based on the 9LV Combat Management System, will provide the Royal Australian Navy with a world-leading capability of which Australians can be truly proud,” says Andy Keough, Managing Director of Saab Australia.

“We warmly welcome the selection of BAE Systems Australia for the Future Frigate project, and we anticipate continuing strong cooperation between our companies as the design and development process progresses. We now eagerly await the start of the work.”

Saab’s involvement in the Future Frigate program is the latest chapter in the company’s 31-year history of supporting the Royal Australian Navy. The 9LV Combat Management System was selected for the ANZAC class frigates in 1987, and it is now installed, or contracted for delivery, in four classes of RAN ships for a total of 24 vessels. For the Future Frigate program, the 9LV tactical interface will be integrated with the US Aegis system and the Australian-designed-and-built CEA phased-array radar.

“Saab Australia’s involvement in this major project is great news for the South Australian economy,” says Keough.

“The company has taken on an additional 70 staff over the past six months, and the Future Frigate project will lead to another 200 jobs over the next two years and throughout the life of the project.”