Global defence company Lockheed Martin has opened a high-tech laboratory in Adelaide today, which will create opportunities for industry innovation and research.

Minister for Defence Industries Martin Hamilton-Smith said Lockheed Martin is one of the world’s largest defence contractors.

“This new Submarine Combat System Laboratory in Mawson Lakes will create a space for collaboration with industry and research,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“The State Government welcomes this significant investment by Lockheed Martin.

“Lockheed Martin’s decision to create a collaborative environment will bring together local companies, academia and government, beginning with lab-based workshops from January.

“Defence SA will work closely with Lockheed Martin, Saab and Thales to facilitate and support these workshops to meet the nation’s defence challenges.

“The State Government wants to develop a long-term partnership between Defence SA and Lockheed Martin to open the technology playground.

“The laboratory will allow industry and researchers to exploit their innovative abilities.”

“The combat systems integration activity for the future naval shipbuilding program in both surface ships and submarines is a huge opportunity for Australia.

“To help local companies capitalise on this opportunity, The Lockheed Martin laboratory encompasses skill-sets such as systems integration, software development and simulation that have wide applications across other defence programs.

“These global defence leaders have extensive knowledge, expertise and a proven capability in this sector, which includes Lockheed Martin’s four-decade track record of providing submarine combat systems integration for seven countries.

“The Future Submarine program requires long-term collaborative planning from stakeholders.

“I’m encouraged by Lockheed Martin’s plans to establish its design and development capability in collaboration with Australian industry, research organisations and universities for acquisition, through-life support and upgrades.”