Technology, innovation key to ADF capability and flexibility

Australia’s strategic landscape is shifting rapidly, with the country facing a range of evolving security threats and heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Saab’s CMS allows for better interoperability across the ADF’s naval assets and ensures technology can be updated.

Australia’s strategic landscape is shifting rapidly, with the country facing a range of evolving security threats and heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

As Defence experts caution of shorter warning time frames, it is crucial for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to have access to cutting-edge, sovereign capabilities that can be rapidly updated and integrated.

The recent release of the government’s Defence Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) Strategy is a timely reminder – highlighting the importance of innovation, sovereign capability and collaboration.

Saab is at the forefront of this challenge, adopting digital tools that are flexible, adaptable and enable rapid integration of new technologies.

For more than 35 years, Saab has been a trusted partner of the ADF, delivering in-country design, development and complex systems integration solutions.

By leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and automation, Saab is ensuring the ADF can quickly adapt to evolving future threats.

These technologies provide the foundation for integrating new capabilities across existing military frameworks, keeping the ADF agile and mission-ready.

One of Saab’s most significant contributions to Australia’s defence is its Australian Combat Management System (AusCMS).

The AusCMS (9LV) is a sovereign-designed and proven system developed in collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy and integrated with Australian ship platforms, radars, sensors and effectors.

Any Keough is managing director of Saab Australia.

Built on a history of proven performance, AusCMS serves as the operational brain of naval combat, integrating and controlling data from sensors and weapons to deliver real-time decision-making capability.

AusCMS offers seamless integration with various platforms and is adaptable to Australia’s specific operational requirements. It is a mature system that delivers scalable, high-end warfighting capability across the fleet.

Saab’s CMS not only allows for better interoperability across the ADF’s naval assets but also ensures technology can be rapidly updated.

As Saab Australia managing director, I have highlighted the strategic significance of the right combat managment system for Australia’s naval future.

The AusCMS is more than just technology; it’s a critical enabler of Australia’s maritime defence strategy. It equips our navy with a high-end, sovereign solution that enhances our operational effectiveness, supports our national defence objectives, and ensures that Australia’s surface fleet is always mission-ready.

Interoperability is a critical factor in establishing and maintaining naval security.
Saab’s AusCMS excels in this area, leveraging sophisticated system integration, communication and system commonality.

Our technology enhances interoperability across the Australian surface fleet and
with allied forces. It is a critical offensive capability, strengthening the navy’s operational effectiveness and positioning Australia as a critical and
reliable ally.

Saab’s commitment to innovation and sovereign capability is about more than just technology – it’s also about creating a defence ecosystem that is resilient and future-focused.

With a workforce of more than 1000 employees across Australia, Saab is ensuring that local expertise drives its defence innovations.

The establishment of the Sovereign Combat Systems Collaboration Centre exemplifies this commitment.

This national facility will enable industry, academia and government to develop next-generation combat systems and foster a robust defence innovation ecosystem.

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Andy Keough is managing director of Saab Australia.