Italian defense contractor Leonardo has opened a new office in Australia which will have a key role in Leonardo’s delivery as prime system integrator of the Anzac-class communications upgrade.
Through its subsidiary Selex ES Australia Pty Ltd, Leonardo has been earlier chosen as the prime contractor for the SEA1442 phase 4 solution which will see the Anzac frigates receive external RF communications and internal communications equipment.
The first upgraded ship is planned to enter service in 2018.
The new facility is located in Rockingham, South of Perth, and is an addition to the company’s current presence in Melbourne in Victoria and Nowra in New South Wales.
Michael Lenton, Executive Chairman of Selex ES Australia said: “Over many years, Leonardo has been building a considerable legacy in Australia through the supply of solutions, products and services for both the defence and civil markets. Leonardo is serious about its investment in Australia and has taken big steps over the past 12 months to significantly grow local capability as well as building and strengthening the national supply chain. Leonardo has been able to grasp the opportunities around the recent thrust in naval capability procurement and we are intent on demonstrating that our local investment in skills and people is as intense as our transfer of technology from our global operations, even ahead of the next round of naval contracts.”