Navantia Australia on April 27 opened its first international office in Singapore, the company said in an announcement on May 17.
The company further said that it would now be managing the Asia Pacific operations for the Navantia group which is one of three bidders in the Royal Australian Navy’s Future Frigate program.
Future export opportunities in the region, including New Zealand, will also be managed and executed from Australia.
“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry,” said Navantia Australia chairman Warren King. “Our history in Australia, the technology transfer to Australia, and the additional know-how we are committed to bring, is growing Australia’s sovereign capability and export ability”.
A critical element in the creation of export capability has been the designation of Navantia Australia as class manager for the Hobart-class destroyer design. This recognises the naval engineering capability which Navantia has established, enabling the company to lead export programs in the region.
Navantia noted that it is the only Future Frigate tenderer downselected for both the United States and Canadian frigate programs. Navantia has partnered with CEA Technologies and Saab Australia for the Canadian Surface Combatant program.
“The political, defence and economic relationship between Singapore and Australia is already strong. The opening of a Navantia Australia office in Singapore is another positive step in deepening this engagement and builds Australia’s competitiveness for Defence related exports, not in only in Singapore, but importantly in the region.” said Austrade’s senior trade and investment commissioner, Prerana Mehta.