Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Saab Australia to pursue collaborative opportunities on the MEKO A-200 frigate platform.
This development is an extension of TKMS and Saab Australia’s longstanding working relationship and their joint commitment to bolstering sovereign naval defence capabilities.
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The agreement is aimed at strengthening naval capabilities through shared innovation and systems integration.
The MoU underscores the common strategic intent of both firms to provide mature, low-risk solutions that cater to future maritime defence needs, including those outlined in the SEA 3000 programme.
The signing ceremony took place at the German Consulate-General in Sydney.
German Federal Ministry of Defense Armaments director-general vice admiral Carsten Stawitzki, who acknowledged the importance of such international collaborations, said: “Collaborations like this one show how international industry partnerships can strengthen national defence capabilities.”
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By GlobalDataSaab’s Australian Combat System (AusCMS), which is already operational within the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) surface fleet, will be a cornerstone of this partnership. The AusCMS offers comprehensive interoperability, training support, sustenance, and operational advantages that enhance Australia’s autonomous defence industry capabilities.
TKMS’ approach aligns with this initiative, as it focuses on enabling nations to construct, sustain, and modernize naval vessels within their own borders. The company has a track record of delivering Anzac-class frigates to the Royal Australian Navy and has supported similar endeavours for 16 other navies worldwide, including six Nato countries.
The aim is to acquire the ships via a hybrid offshore-onshore build strategy with the first three frigates to be constructed offshore. The remainder will be built locally at Henderson, subject to “timely consolidation of the Henderson Defence Precinct”.
TKMS is proposing its MEKO A-200 design, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is presenting the Mogami Future Frigate Multirole (FFM) platform as their respective entries in the competition to fulfil Australia’s naval requirements.
The GPF programme will see the acquisition of 11 frigates, with the first ship to be delivered this decade. To be equipped for undersea warfare and local air defence, these vessels will replace Anzac-class frigates.
