“We’re actually getting [soldiers] involved in how we’re helping to design the force….My view is that we are going to see a lot of refinements from the field that will really help us figure out how we need to adjust,” said Army Chief Randy George.
Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero told Breaking Defense the modularity approach shortens production time against a general frigate market trend of 40 months, and he “strongly believes” Saudi Arabia stands as a key “addressable market” to secure a future FCx30 sale.
“Whether it’s a vehicle land vehicle, a futuristic UAV that is a concept, some C4I systems, C2 systems, smaller versions of UAVs, converting a manned boat to unmanned boat — we’ve done it, it’s us. The shift is already happening,” Saudi Arabian Military Industries CEO Walid Abukhaled told Breaking Defense.
The trial, which took place in South Australia, is the latest in a series of experimental efforts associated with AUKUS’ Pillar II.
“The opportunity for our Navy personnel to learn from our AUKUS partners demonstrates meaningful progress along Australia’s pathway to acquiring nuclear-powered submarines,” Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles said.
