Saab Australia and Adelaide University sign SPA

Adelaide-based Saab Australia and Adelaide University have signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) as the next step in their ongoing relationship to support sovereign defence capability.

The new partnership agreement between Saab and the University will focus on future capabilities including distributed command and control, autonomous systems and hypersonics, says the University in a statement.

Through the partnership, Saab and Adelaide University will utilise the Sovereign Combat Systems Collaboration Centre at Mawson Lakes which was established in partnership with the Australian Government to develop and integrate sovereign capabilities at speed.

“This partnership will enable Saab and Adelaide University to drive future capability development aligned with Australia’s strategic defence priorities and create employment opportunities for South Australians,” said Andy Keough CSC, Managing Director, Saab Australia.

The two foundation universities, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, have each had an ongoing relationship with Saab with activities across workforce, curriculum and research. Saab is an industry partner in the former University of Adelaide’s Defence Trailblazer program and has supported PhD projects and contributed to tender responses and applications for government grants.

As an industry sponsor of professional development opportunities for young women undertaking STEM degrees, Saab has also been involved in workforce development.

The SPA outlines the intention to collaborate strategically and serves as an ‘umbrella’ agreement that provides the framework for the engagement and collaboration. This approach will foster a mutually beneficial partnership that maximises impact, drives innovation, and creates long-term value for both the University and Saab.