UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
Saab has been awarded a contract by Luerssen Australia to supply the Situational Awareness System (SAS) for the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN's) new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), Saab announced on 20 April.
A total of 12 new ships will be delivered as part of the RAN's OPV programme.
The SAS is based on Saab’s 9LV combat management system. The OPV will also incorporate Saab’s EOS 500 electro-optical fire control director.
Contracts will be placed with local firms to fabricate selected components of the SAS including command consoles and computer cabinets.
Andy Keough, managing director for Saab Australia, said: ‘Saab Australia is pleased to receive this order from Luerssen Australia.
'This is also an important step towards system commonality for the navy, with 9LV installed, or contracted for delivery, across four classes of ship. The development work being undertaken by Saab in Australia will also support export opportunities and position us well for future maritime projects.’
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.