Leonardo Launches Cutting-Edge Facility in Western Australia to Amp Up Defence Innovations

Leonardo continues to invest in Australia by launching a new facility in Western Australia through its subsidiary Selex ES Australia Pty Ltd.

The establishment of this latest site reinforces Leonardo’s commitment to expanding its industrial footprint in Australia, extending beyond its existing centers in Melbourne, Victoria, and Nowra, New South Wales. Significant growth is expected in the next 18 months.

This new center was introduced at Pacific 2017, a global maritime trade exhibition held in Sydney, Australia, where Leonardo had a presence (Stand 4F10).

Located in Rockingham, south of Perth, the facility will act as the regional hub for engineering, integration, installation, and ongoing support. Its close proximity to the Henderson shipyards and Garden Island enables Leonardo to respond rapidly to naval programs while fostering partnerships with Western Australian companies. This collaboration will nurture a local workforce skilled in defense electronics, complementing the region’s strong shipbuilding capabilities.

This site will play a crucial role in Leonardo’s position as the primary system integrator for the SEA1442 phase 4 solution. Under this initiative, Leonardo will provide a complete suite of advanced communication capabilities for the enhancement and modernization of Australia’s ANZAC frigates. The solution includes improved external RF communications, internal communication equipment, a high-data-rate line-of-sight channel, and the implementation of a state-of-the-art communications management system. This upgrade will establish a solid foundation for a maritime architecture essential for future tactical communications for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Additionally, it will bolster the Australian Defence Force’s network-centric warfare strategy within the maritime sector, aiding in achieving a genuinely interconnected RAN.

Michael Lenton, Executive Chairman of Selex ES Australia, remarked: “This facility reflects Leonardo’s dedication to Australia, where we have operated since first supplying torpedoes to the Navies of Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia in 1885. Over many years, Leonardo has built a significant legacy in Australia, delivering solutions, products, and services for both defense and civil sectors. This is a long-term endeavor that we take great pride in and aspire to further develop. Leonardo is profoundly invested in Australia and has made considerable advances over the past year to enhance local capabilities while also reinforcing the national supply chain. We are prepared to capitalize on opportunities stemming from the recent drive in naval capability procurement and will illustrate that our local investment in skills and personnel is as robust as our technology transfer from our global operations, even ahead of the forthcoming wave of naval contracts.”