The Submarine Combat Systems Laboratory is a collaboration between Lockheed Martin Australia, Saab Australia and Thales Australia & New Zealand. It will provide lab-based workshops from January next year and grow further to provide state-of-the-art equipment in a simulated operational environment, together with known and proven technologies, to realistically test and validate the Royal Australian Navy’s concept of operations for the next generation of Australian submarines.
Raydon Gates, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia & New Zealand said the laboratory will provide early technical transfers and upskilling.
“The combat system is essentially the eyes, ears and sword of the submarine and the tactical effectiveness of Australia’s future submarine capability will depend on a fully integrated suite of the best technologies from Australia and around the world,” he said.
“Lockheed Martin’s ability to seamlessly integrate the best sensors, sonar, radar, navigation, imagery systems and weapons will give Australia’s future submarine the strategic advantage it needs to protect our nation. It is critical we get this right for Australia, which is why we have already invested more than $3 million in establishing the laboratory and engaging with the best minds across industry, academia and government.”
Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Christopher Pyne, said the facility was a great example of three companies collaborating to create a hub of innovation and skills development.
“LMA is taking a leadership role with this investment; they are deepening their footprint in Australia and ensuring they have strong links to Australian-based researchers, businesses and innovators,” Minister Pyne said.
“This collaboration between research and industry will foster cutting-edge technological advancement and the creation of a highly skilled local workforce that will steer Australia towards a prosperous future.”
He said the opening of the facility ties in well with the Government’s planned launch of the National Innovation and Science Agenda in December.
“Industry and innovation policy is central to the Government’s economic agenda; we are focusing on increasing Australia’s international competitiveness by helping businesses to increase the commercial returns from Australia’s investment in science, research and innovation,” he said.
“This LMA laboratory is an example of what can be achieved when the focus is on innovation, and it has been great to be part of the opening here today.”
Innovation Minister Christopher Pyne, Lockheed Martin CEO Raydon Gates and Senator Linda Reynolds at the openeing of the Submarine Combat Systems Laboratory.