Saab Australia has established a dedicated test and integration capability for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class destroyer combat system upgrades, being undertaken from South Australia’s Osborne Naval Shipyard.

The Hobart Australian Interface Reference Site recently opened at Saab’s Sovereign Combat Systems Collaboration Centre (SCSCC), based at Mawson Lakes in South Australia, enabling advanced integration and testing of combat system functionality prior to installation on the upgraded destroyers.

The facility supports Saab’s delivery of the Australian Interface (AI), a key component of the Navy’s combat system architecture and a derivative of the Australian Combat Management System (AusCMS), which is designed, developed and integrated in Australia by Saab.

The AI integrates shipborne radars, electronic warfare systems and underwater sensors and effectors into the Aegis Combat Management System, strengthening the Royal Australian Navy’s operational capability and system interoperability across the fleet.

Saab Australia Managing Director Andy Keough CSC said the reference site represents a significant milestone in the program’s delivery.

“The Hobart AI reference site enables system integration and testing ahead of installing this advanced combat system capability on the Hobart destroyers,” Mr Keough said.

“In partnership with the Commonwealth, Saab has built a sovereign capability underpinned by a highly skilled engineering workforce and world-class facilities here in South Australia.”

Mr Keough said the Australian Interface would help ensure combat system resilience and adaptability across the life of the platform, reducing reliance on overseas support and enabling the rapid introduction of new capability.

“This delivers greater control for the Commonwealth over future upgrades, reduces integration risk, and supports a common operator experience across the fleet,” he said.

Under the Hobart-class upgrade program, Saab is also delivering Multi-Function Consoles to operate the Australian Interface, working alongside BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin as part of the Combat Systems Integration – Integrated Project Team.

The establishment of the Mawson Lakes-based test site further consolidates South Australia’s role as a national hub for sovereign combat systems integration and advanced naval capability development.