AUSTRALIAN+NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE DIRECTORY 2025 www.defence.directory 19 SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY EDITORIALS SOVEREIGN CAPABILITY THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR NATION’S SECURITY In an era of rapidly evolving global security challenges, Australia’s sovereign defence capability has never been more important. We have made significant progress in developing sovereign defence capabilities that not only enhance national security but also strengthen the economy and technological prowess. Saab’s Australian Combat Management System AusCMS (9LV), which is currently deployed across the Royal Australian Navy’s surface fleet, serves as an excellent example of such capability. The CMS is a key component of the ship’s offensive capability. It is critical that it is fit for purpose, designed, and operated to maximum effectiveness. By taking an enterprise approach to CMS, we can accelerate the development of these sovereign capabilities while lowering the risk to operational capability. This can be viewed through the Fundamental Inputs to Capability (FICs): • Operational Effectiveness: A common CMS provides consistent application of warfighting doctrine, optimised engagements and standard operational procedures across the fleet leading to fewer errors and more predictable outcomes during missions. • Training and Maintenance Efficiency: Deploying a common CMS ensures that a highly skilled workforce provides the same capability across all vessel classes. The “train once, apply everywhere” approach results in significant training and operational efficiencies. Maintenance procedures and spare parts are standardised, simplifying logistics and reducing the inventory of spare parts needed. Any lack of commonality and interoperability makes training for the RAN’s ship crews more difficult and expensive • Major systems: Using different combat systems affects the commonality of the fleet and its operation, especially when it comes to the introduction into service of different weapons/ordnance and platform systems. • Upgradability and Scalability: Upgrading a common CMS is simpler and more efficient, ensuring all ships benefit from the latest technology and capabilities. New ships can be more easily integrated into the fleet with the same CMS, ensuring compatibility and reducing integration challenges. • Enhanced Cybersecurity: A common CMS allows for a unified approach to cybersecurity, making it easier to implement and manage security protocols across the entire fleet; • Supplies: Under a common approach, supplies and equipment can be used across the fleet. A new naval vessel, with unique systems, presents significant supply challenges which can be complicated and costly to maintain; • Facilities: Utilising and expanding established facilities used to support AusCMS is far more efficient than establishing new facilities. The cost, in both economic and schedule terms, associated with equipment, training systems, and through life support necessary to support the effective operation of a new and unique ship class is likely to be significant. The Saab AusCMS, which has been developed in collaboration with the RAN, is a fielded and proven capability, presenting efficiencies across the FICs. As a sovereign capability, it enables commonality and interoperability, and enables the RAN to conduct operations with precision. Recognising the dynamic nature of global threats, it is critical that we continue to evolve our engagement strategies. This requires open communication and collaboration between Defence and industry to ensure that industry is fully aware of and aligned with Defence’s needs, and that Defence understands industry’s capabilities and innovations. One example is Saab’s Sovereign Combat System Collaboration Centre, which is scheduled to open later this year. The facility will serve as an ecosystem for the development of world-class combat system capabilities, thereby supporting programmes such as the government’s continuous shipbuilding initiative. Alignment like this is critical for Australia’s efforts to improve national and regional security. As we navigate the complexities of the twenty-first century, the imperatives for Australia’s sovereign defence capability have never been more clear. By continuing to innovate, invest in our people, and engage with industry partners, Australia is well positioned to address our ongoing geostrategic challenges and build sovereign capability. Andy Keough Managing Director Saab Australia
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