MAJOR AIR DEFENCE BOOST FOR AUSTRALIA
The Federal Government has today signed an $83 million contract to
dramatically boost Australias ground based air defence
capability.
The contract with Saab Systems Australia is to supply short-range
laser guided missile systems to the Australian Army which will
effectively double Australias ground based air defence capability
operating out of Woodside 16h Air Defence Regiment in South
Australia.
Minister for Defence Robert Hill said the Government has agreed to
purchase additional RBS70 weapons systems and Portable Search and
Target Acquisition Radars. The project will also upgrade the
existing RBS70 systems and replace the Rapier systems.
"The RBS70 is the most modern man-portable Short Range Air Defence
system available in the world. It offers very effective protection
against low level aircraft and helicopters and its laser
rangefinder and optical sighting system is immune to radar
jamming," Senator Hill said.
"A version of the system has been in service with the Australian
Army for 15 years. A troop of about 24 personnel is currently on
operation in the Persian Gulf providing point air defence to HMAS
Kanimbla and will return to Australia in July."
Saab Systems is an Adelaide-based company specialising in high
technology military systems and has very good track record in a
number of significant Defence projects in Australia and overseas.
It currently employs about 250 people, and this contract will
generate up to 10 full time additional positions.
The RBS70 weapon systems will be supplied by Saab Bofors Dynamics
of Sweden. This will be integrated with surveillance and target
acquisition radar supplied by Lockheed Martin in the United States.
A new command and control system will be developed by Saab Systems
Australia to more effectively manage and integrate Australias
ground based air defence systems.
"While the weapon launchers and radars will be manufactured
overseas, the prime contract with the Adelaide-based Saab Systems
will provide opportunities for local industry involvement,
particularly in the production and through life support for the
Command and Control System," Senator Hill said.
"This latest contract will complement other developments in air
defence, including the forthcoming construction of a RBS70
simulator system at Woodside to improve the effectiveness and
efficiency of soldier air defence training.
"It will also deliver another of the Governments White Paper
promises and will ensure that the Army maintains a credible short
range air defence capability when the aging Rapier system reaches
the end of its life from around mid 2005."
