Saab Australia marks milestone with 100th Multi-Function Console for export
Saab Australia (Saab) has reached a significant milestone with its 100th Multi-Function Console (MFC) ready for export, marking the continued global delivery of Australian‑designed and manufactured naval capability.
Designed, developed and manufactured in Australia, Saab’s MFC provides a modern, ergonomic operator workstation purpose-built for demanding naval operations.
The console enables operators to monitor and control multiple complex systems simultaneously from a single, integrated physical platform.
Saab’s MFC is in-service with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and is exported to countries in Europe and North America.
When paired with Saab’s command and control software – the 9LV Combat Management System, in service with the RAN as the Australian Combat Management System (AusCMS) – the MFC helps reduce operator mental load and fatigue during complex missions, supporting improved decision-making in high-pressure environments.
Saab Australia Managing Director Andy Keough CSC said the milestone reflects the strength of Australia’s sovereign industrial capability and Saab’s continued export growth.
“Saab’s Multi-Function Console is an Australian success story, delivering trusted capability to navies operating in some of the most remote and demanding conditions,” said Mr Keough.
“Incorporating world-leading technology, our engineers have created a cutting-edge platform that improves decision-making by reducing the mental and physical burden on operators during complex missions.”
“It supports high-skilled Australian jobs, strengthens sovereign defence manufacturing capability, and contributes to the growth of Australia’s defence exports with global partners.”
Production of the MFC supports manufacturing jobs in South Australia and beyond, with around 60% of inputs sourced through the company’s domestic supply chain and the remaining 40% produced by Saab.
South Australia’s Minister for Defence Industries Chris Picton said Saab’s Multi-Function Console highlights the strength of the local defence and innovation ecosystem.
“This milestone is another example of South Australia’s growing reputation as a centre for advanced defence manufacturing and innovation,” said Minister Picton.
“South Australia’s defence industry generates more than $2 billion in economic activity annually with projects like Saab’s Multi-Function Console delivering benefits to everyone involved in the broader supply chain.
“Developed and manufactured from Saab’s South Australian headquarters, this product is now being used by navies across the world which demonstrates the trust and confidence global customers have in our local innovations.”
Saab continues to evolve its MFC design, with development underway on the next-generation MFC 3000, reinforcing its commitment to continuous improvement, value-based engineering, and innovation in support of advanced naval operations.