BAE Systems Australia wins guided weapon component deal: BAE Systems Australia has been awarded a $270 million contract to significantly increase the production of critical components and assemblies for the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2. The ESSM Block 2 is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile developed to protect warships from advanced anti-ship cruise missiles. It is in service with 12 countries and is equipped on the Royal Australian Navy Anzac class frigates and Hobart class air warfare destroyers. The new contract will greatly enhance capacity for Australian and allied forces and grow BAE Systems Australia’s ESSM workforce by 24 full time positions, including four new apprentices. BAE Systems Australia is the Australian industry lead in the North American Treaty Organisation ESSM Program. Since 1995 over 3000 sets of ESSM Block 1 components and assemblies have been delivered, with Block 2 supply commencing in 2021. The Company continues to expand domestic manufacture of guided weapons and has engaged a network of local suppliers to assist in the delivery of components to meet the needs of Australia and its allies. Andrew Gresham, Managing Director – Defence Delivery, BAE Systems Australia, said: “We’re proud to continue delivering as a trusted partner to Australia’s sovereign guided weapon manufacturing capability. Increasing the rate of production of ESSM Block 2 components will ensure Australia and its allies continue to contribute to peace and stability while remaining protected. This contract builds on decades of experience delivering domestic and export guided weapon programs and reinforces our position as a key enabler to the Commonwealth’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise.”
Lockheed Martin Australia selects AW Bell for mentor program: Lockheed Martin Australia has selected Melbourne-based advanced castings manufacturer and precision machining specialist AW Bell as the fourth Australian small-to-medium enterprise (SME) to participate in its Mentor Protégé Program (MPP). AW Bell executives will undertake an intensive 12-month mentoring program with access to leading Lockheed Martin’s experts from both Australia and the United States. The MPP aims to accelerate the development of core capabilities within SMEs covering best practices in areas such as human resource processes, business ethics, contracting, product management, export controls, quality management systems, supply chain risk management, competitive intelligence, and cybersecurity readiness. By leveraging Lockheed Martin’s extensive expertise, AW Bell will seek to achieve a strategic uplift for its Australian customers, while also further expanding their export opportunities to the United States and beyond. “AW Bell’s selection for the Lockheed Martin Mentor Protégé Program underscores our commitment to fostering the growth and development of innovative Australian SMEs,” said Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive, Warren McDonald. “We look forward to sharing our expertise and helping AW Bell enhance its capabilities with a tailored program to best meet the evolving demands of the global defence sector.” AW Bell’s participation in the MPP will be sponsored by Lockheed Martin Australia’s Office of Australian Industrial Participation through the Global Supply Chain Program.
Safran integrating PASEO Joint Fires on Hanwha’s Redback: Safran Electronics and Defense Australasia has been chosen to supply PASEO Joint Fires advanced day and night panoramic sight for integration on the Hanwha Defence Australia’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The PASEO Joint Fires solution provides the long-range Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, & Reconnaissance sensor for the Redback IFV supplied by Hanwha to the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) under the LAND 400 Phase 3 project. The contract calls for the production and delivery of PASEO Joint Fires sensors and associated ancillaries. This contract leverages the world leading position of the PASEO family which has sold more than 2,500 units for IFVs, Main Battle Tank and Joint Fires worldwide. It integrates high performances day and night all weather optronics sensors and offers 360° coverage with a high-rate sectorial scanning capability. The PASEO Joint Fires includes Safran’s Geonyx inertial navigation system, which provides precise and reliable positions, even if satellite navigation signals are unavailable or inaccessible (GNSS-Denied environment). The project will continue Safran’s legacy of providing premium optronics sensor solutions for the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army. Safran Electronics and Defense Australasia already successfully delivered its portable optronic solutions under LAND 17 project aimed at enhancing Australian’s artillery capabilities and LAND 300 project to equip the Australian soldiers with next generation surveillance and target acquisitions ancillaries. As well as its onboard day and night sight MINEO integrated on the Hanwha Defence Australia’s Huntsman family of vehicles under the LAND 8116 Phase 1 project.
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