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DSTO and Saab extend interaction to virtual environments and network centric warfare

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and Saab Systems have agreed to share information in a number of key areas including virtual environments, network centric warfare (NCW) and tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAV).

DSTO and Saab have signed a three-year strategic research and development alliance agreement.

The new arrangement builds on previous agreements which included the key areas of weapons, combat systems and remotely operated vehicles. The new agreement extends a sequence of agreements first established in 1995.

"DSTO expects to gain many benefits in niche areas such as force transformation from the new agreement," said Dr Nanda (D.) Nandagopal, Director of DSTO's Systems Sciences Laboratory.

"The alliance with Saab has been one of the most active of DSTO's strategic agreements evidenced by the fact that virtual environments, NCW and TUAVs, have been added to the existing areas of naval and land systems.

"We expect that DSTO will enhance its ability to strengthen Australia's skills in combat system integration, and gain an increased knowledge of the capabilities and development activities of industry. The enhanced connection with a European company means improved knowledge of the continent's emerging trends in defence related development."

Saab is a Swedish owned company with a significant presence in Australia. It is headquartered in Adelaide where it employs more than 250 people. In Australia, its interests include the unmanned aerial vehicle developer Aerosonde, the Collins Class Integrated Ship Control System, the Anzac Class Combat System, Army's Battlefield Command Support System and the Army's Short Range Air Defence System.

"Saab regards the ongoing close relationship with DSTO as critical in ensuring our early identification of future military needs and the investigation of transformational technologies to achieve those needs," said Saab Systems Managing Director, Mr Merv Davis.

Dr Nandagopal signed the agreement on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia and Mr Davis on behalf of Saab.

For further information contact:
Steve Butler
Defence Science Communications
Ph: 08 8259 6923 or 0418 800 323

The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.

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