BAE Systems Australia has announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Saab Australia as part of its teaming with Patria to bid for LAND 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability.

Bid prime contractor BAE Systems stated that it has joined forces with Saab in an effort to maximise Australian industry involvement, should it be successful in its bid to provide the Patria Armoured Modular Vehicle for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Saab products are inherent in the vehicle design, BAE Systems said, adding that Saab would supply key subsystems and in-service support.

“With LAND 400, BAE Systems seeks to strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability and maximise Australian industry involvement within its supply chain,” said Graeme Bent, director for Land & Integrated Systems at BAE Systems Australia. “Our offer will replicate overseas success for manufacturing and sustaining the Patria Armoured Modular Vehicle in Australia. The vehicle has been successfully manufactured in countries outside of Finland, and has a strong track record for technology transfer to user nations.”

BAE Systems stated that joining forces with Saab would see the team substantially exceeding the 200 jobs and $100 million in supply chain value that it has already identified for the manufacturing phase of the project.

Saab Australia managing director Dean Rosenfield said: “Saab is delighted to draw on its global expertise and experience to provide key subsystems into the BAE Systems/Patria solution for LAND 400. Saab already has a significant presence in Australia, and this collaboration will enable us to further grow our business in the land domain. LAND 400 provides additional opportunities for local manufacture, assembly, integration and in-service support that will not only assist us to achieve these aspirations but will be vital in growing local industry capability to effectively deliver and support combat vehicles for the ADF.”