South Australian defence company Daronmont Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UK defence and security electronics system specialist SEA.

The MoU will see the companies bring advanced combat and communications systems to specifically address RAN requirements outlined in the Future Submarine and Hunter Class Frigate programs.

Initial activities will see the establishment of a specialist cell at Daronmont’s facility in Adelaide next year that will be populated by SEA training and simulation capabilities.

The company will also to bring to Australia its open-architecture communication system and vendor-independent weapons launcher system to meet Future Submarine and Frigate requirements.

“SEA’s objective is to bring the best of today’s technology to Australia to enable world-leading future naval combat and mission systems development,” Steve Hill, Managing Director SEA, said.

“The inherent synergies that have been identified between SEA and Daronmont – including our collective experience and capabilities – means that we have high confidence in our ability to deliver leading-edge technology solutions combined with recognised indigenous experience in Australia.

“Collectively, both of our enterprises stand in a unique and established position.”

Daronmont CEO Ben Norris said that the new partnership has potential to significantly enhance the quality of locally-sourced industry content and components for both the Sea 1000 and 5000 programs.

“Daronmont is excited by the opportunities for technology transfer and local capability growth that will be enabled through the MoU with SEA in the short term, as well as the longer-term potential to develop Sovereign Industry Capability in SA,” Norris said.

“Congratulations to SA’s Daronmont Technologies and the UK’s SEA on their strategic partnership to work collaboratively on major Australian naval shipbuilding projects,” Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price.

“It’s fantastic to see our innovative local companies forging international partnerships to maximise business opportunities and play a critical role these once-in-a-generation naval shipbuilding programs.”