Lockheed Martin opens submarine systems lab in Adelaide

Lockheed Martin Australia has opened a new submarine combat systems laboratory in Adelaide in collaboration with Saab Australia and Thales Australia.

The new facility is designed to support the design, delivery and sustainment of Australia’s future submarine force, which will include the fleet of 12 submarines that Germany, France and Japan are competing to build.

The facility is designed to bring together talent from industry, academia and government, including both domestic and international expertise, in a collaborative environment.

It will eventually provide advanced equipment in a simulated operating environment to help test and validate the Navy’s concepts for the operation of the next generation of Australian submarines.

Speaking at the opening of the facility, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne said the project demonstrates that there is no substitute for Australian innovation.

“LMA is taking a leadership role with this investment; they are deepening their footprint in Australia and ensuring they have strong links to Australian-based researchers, businesses and innovators,” he said.

“This collaboration between research and industry will foster cutting-edge technological advancement and the creation of a highly skilled local workforce that will steer Australia towards a prosperous future.”

Due to political pressure, whichever nation wins the contract to build Australia’s next submarine fleet will be likely to conduct at least part of the construction in Australia. This could help improve the communication between the laboratory and the engineers.

Image courtesy of kenichi nobusue under CC