L3Harris, a global aerospace and defence technology innovator, is expanding its global footprint to South Australia, to capitalise on the $90 billion defence investment from the Commonwealth, creating a pipeline of jobs for decades to come.
In the lead up to the start of the Hunter class frigate build, the company is looking to grow its skilled local workforce by nearly 20.
The MAAPS business of L3Harris, which specialises in marine control systems and simulation products, is establishing a central operational hub at Mawson Lakes Technology Park, already home to other multinational defence companies, to manage the delivery and integration of L3Harris systems for the new Offshore Patrol Vessels, and other future platforms.
Premier Steven Marshall said L3Harris' decision to expand into South Australia will drive further job opportunities for South Australians.
"We are continually working with national and international defence companies, to bring jobs to South Australia," said the Premier.
"The massive pipeline of defence work presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people in our state, creating thousands upon thousands of jobs for decades to come.
"This decision by L3Harris to establish here at Mawson Lakes is another vote of confidence in our burgeoning defence sector, which continues to attract national and international defence giants.
"This will grow jobs, bolster our defence industry and grow our economy."
L3Harris is working with Luerssen to integrate their advanced Integrated Platform Management System into the new Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels. The technology cuts navy's life-cycle costs by reducing manning requirements and increasing ship survivability.
Rangesh Kasturi, President, Maritime International, L3Harris, said the company made the strategic decision to establish a core hub in South Australia to collaborate more closely with the program's lead designers and support Australia's continuous naval shipbuilding program underway at the Osborne Naval Shipyard.
"With South Australia positioned as a growing and thriving hub for defence business, it was an excellent opportunity for L3Harris, as we grow our Australian footprint and expand our presence in the maritime domain in the region," Mr Kasturi said.
"We're already working on the SEA 1180 (OPV) program, as well as a number of other Australian naval programs, so establishing a base here in Adelaide makes sense to enable us to effectively support current and future naval platforms."
