Saab Australia boosts Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capability
Saab Australia has signed contracts worth up to $20 million to provide the Royal Australian Navy with the latest generation anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training system – the AUV62-AT – and five years’ in-service support.
As prime contractor for the project, Saab Australia will deliver the system in 2022 and work with Australian industry, including Newcastle based BlueZone Group, to provide ongoing in-service operational and maintenance support through to 2027.
Designed and developed by Saab, the AUV62-AT is an autonomous underwater vehicle and training target that simulates a real submarine, torpedo or unmanned vehicle.
The system can be configured to conduct training activities with surface vessels, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, allowing the Navy to undertake highly realistic warfare training without the need to use live submarines.
This state-of-the-art training solution is currently in-service with Five Eyes partner the United Kingdom and has also been extensively and successfully trialled by the United States.
“Saab Australia has over 30 years’ experience developing, integrating and supporting a range of complex systems for the Australian Defence Force,” said Andy Keough, Saab Australia Managing Director.
“Under this latest contract, the Navy will benefit from locally managed delivery by personnel with expert knowledge of in-service ASW systems.
“With the growing submarine activity in the Asia-Pacific region, this new training system will strengthen the Navy’s capability to protect our nation.”
Saab and BlueZone Group have partnered in support of the Australian Defence Forces for more than two decades, including Saab’s Double Eagle mine reconnaissance and disposal vehicle in-service on the Huon class minehunters.
Saab has a long history of underwater expertise that stretches back to the early 1900s, with world-leading military and commercial underwater vehicles deployed across the globe.