Germany’s thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has announced a significant partnership with Saab Australia to explore collaboration on the MEKO A-200 frigate platform. This strategic alliance aims to enhance the capabilities of the frigate, focusing on integrating Saab’s Australian Combat System (AusCMS), which is currently employed across the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) surface fleet.
The collaboration is designed to improve various operational aspects of the warship, including training, sustainment, and overall functionality. This initiative aligns with the objective of strengthening the Australian defense industry’s sovereign capabilities. By leveraging the existing AusCMS, thyssenkrupp and Saab Australia anticipate providing mature, low-risk, and proven solutions tailored for future naval requirements, particularly within the RAN’s SEA 3000 general-purpose frigate program.
Oliver Juckenhöfel, executive vice president of thyssenkrupp’s Operating Unit Surface Vessels, expressed enthusiasm regarding the memorandum of understanding (MoU). He emphasized that the partnership exemplifies the company’s commitment to naval shipbuilding and long-term collaboration with trusted partners. Juckenhöfel stated that the endeavor aims to foster a robust and sovereign naval capability, employing a model that has seen success across various naval forces globally.
In addition to contributing to the RAN’s Anzac-class frigates, thyssenkrupp is also collaborating with the maritime engineering firm BMT Group. This partnership is aimed at mitigating platform-related delivery risks, enhancing performance, and ensuring the integrity and certification of the Anzac-class fleet throughout its lifecycle.
Furthermore, thyssenkrupp has proposed constructing the navy’s General Purpose Frigates, which are projected to be operational by 2029. This ongoing commitment underscores the company’s active role in modernizing the naval fleet and supporting Australia’s defense capability into the future.
