Australia’s defence capability has received a significant boost with the official opening of the Sovereign Combat Systems Collaboration Centre (SCSCC), a facility dedicated to software development, systems integration, testing, and prototyping to address emerging threats.
The SCSCC is backed by a $22.6 million grant under the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative, Saab said in a news release.
The investment aims to establish a sustainable combat systems industry that enables timely development and deployment of defence capabilities.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles highlighted the importance of the centre in fostering a skilled workforce and advancing local defence manufacturing.
“The facility will have a primary focus on software development, systems integration, testing, and prototyping of our combat systems, which are critical to delivering a more capable, integrated, and focused Defence Force,” Marles said.
Saab Australia Managing Director Andy Keough CSC reiterated the company’s long-standing role in the nation’s combat systems industry and its commitment to future growth.
“Saab has been a leader in Australian combat systems capability for more than three decades, and we have made this long-term investment in partnership with the Commonwealth to drive that into the future,” Keough said.
He described the Collaboration Centre as a hub for Saab, industry and research partners, and Defence to develop and integrate combat system capabilities at speed to meet the operational requirements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
“A core component of ongoing sovereign combat systems capability development is the AusCMS – Australia’s sovereign combat management system,” he added.
According to Saab, the AusCMS enables the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to independently adapt its capabilities by integrating evolving and disruptive technologies.
It is a common capability across the RAN’s surface fleet and will serve as the Australian Interface for the combat system on upgraded Hobart-class destroyers and Hunter-class frigates.
The opening of the SCSCC follows Saab’s recent expansion across Western Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory.
The company currently employs more than 1,000 Australians, delivering capabilities across maritime, land, air, space, cyber, and civil security domains.
