Partnerships and innovation underpin Saab’s contribution to Australia’s security and sovereign industry growth

Saab Australia continues to play a leading role in advancing both Australia’s skilled workforce and national defence capability through two major recent initiatives.

The company recently hosted Federal and State Government representatives at its Adelaide headquarters for the announcement of the $28 million National Security TAFE Centre of Excellence, to be established at TAFE South Australia’s Regency campus.

Jointly funded by the Albanese and Malinauskas Governments, the Centre will develop specialised training programs across electrotechnology, engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence and cyber security, with a focus on upskilling technicians to support the AUKUS partnership and safeguard critical infrastructure.

“A highly skilled local workforce is essential for South Australia to take full advantage of the defence industry opportunities on the horizon” said Courtney Morcombe, Chief Financial Officer, Saab Australia.

“This new investment will support organisations like Saab Australia to deliver the Commonwealth’s capability requirements, continue developing sovereign capabilities and growing our workforce in South Australia.”

Complementing this focus on skills and collaboration, Saab has also been contracted to supply the Royal Australian Navy with an additional AUV62-AT autonomous anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training target. Designed and produced in Sweden, the AUV62-AT provides realistic and cost-effective training for naval crews by simulating submarines, torpedoes, and uncrewed vehicles.

“The AUV62-AT is part of Saab’s extensive range of technology enabled training solutions designed to provide realistic scenarios to enhance combat skills and preparedness” said Andy Keough CSC, Managing Director, Saab Australia.

The system can be launched and recovered from ship or shore and programmed for a wide range of training levels, improving readiness while reducing reliance on live-submarine exercises.

Together, these initiatives highlight Saab’s dual commitment to developing Australia’s future workforce and delivering world-leading Swedish defence technology – a partnership that continues to strengthen Australia’s capability, innovation, and security.

Australia is accelerating toward net-zero emissions by 2050, with over 35 percent of electricity already generated from renewables such as wind and solar. The next step is large-scale energy storage: capturing clean power when it’s abundant and supplying it when demand peaks.

A major milestone in this transition is Origin’s Mortlake Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Victoria. Once operational, the 300 MW / 650 MWh facility will be one of the state’s largest, supporting grid stability and powering the equivalent of 135,000 homes.

The Challenge: Connecting critical infrastructure on time, without compromise

As renewable generation expands, maintaining grid stability has become increasingly complex. Connecting large-scale batteries requires specialised high-voltage infrastructure delivered on time and to the highest standards. For AusNet, Victoria’s largest diversified energy network, this meant designing and installing the transmission connection for Mortlake BESS—including two 500 kV transformers—without compromising reliability or safety.

Collaborating to deliver on a bold vision

To meet these demands, AusNet and Hitachi Energy collaborated closely from the project’s outset, co-developing technical specifications and ensuring supply-chain resilience. Hitachi Energy supplied two 500 kV, 180 MVA transformers, engineered for dynamic loading and harsh environments, featuring advanced cooling, low-loss design, and digital monitoring for efficient and reliable performance.

“This project reflects Hitachi Energy’s mission to advance a sustainable, flexible, and secure energy system. Our 500 kV transformers play a vital role in converting stored battery energy into high-voltage power. Once installed at Mortlake Terminal Station, they will enable efficient transmission into the national grid, connecting thousands of homes to clean, reliable energy,” said Dinesh Kumar, Market Manager, Business Unit Transformers, Hitachi Energy.

Powering the future

The Mortlake BESS connection builds on the partners’ earlier success at the Golden Plains Wind Farm, now powering over 765,000 homes. Together, AusNet and Hitachi Energy are helping deliver a smarter, more sustainable national grid.

Watch the video: AusNet and Hitachi Energy enable Victoria’s largest grid-scale battery connection

This winter marks a major milestone for IKEA Australia, as the beloved Swedish brand celebrates 50 years of helping Australians create a better everyday life at home. Since opening its first store in Sydney’s St Leonards in 1975, IKEA has become a familiar fixture in Australian households, known for its affordable flatpack furniture, clever design, and of course, the classic meatballs.

To mark the occasion, IKEA has launched a playful nod to its heritage and Aussie culture: the world’s first flat-packed flip flops, known as FLIP FLÖPS. With over 3,000 pairs given away across the country, the limited-edition sandals combine IKEA’s hallmark ingenuity with Australia’s love for easygoing, beach-ready footwear.

As part of the anniversary, IKEA commissioned a national survey capturing just how ingrained the “big blue box” has become in Australian life:

• 87% of Australians have visited an IKEA store at least once.

• 81% have owned at least one piece of IKEA furniture.

• More than 1 in 3 Aussies (35%) have gotten lost in an IKEA store.

• And for some, the experience goes beyond furniture, with 5% of respondents  having been on a date at IKEA.

Today, IKEA employs more than 3,900 people across 10 stores nationwide, with more than 17 million store visits and over 105 million website hits recorded in 2024 alone.

Mirja Viinanen, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA Australia, reflected on the company’s journey:

“We have created a home away from home in Australia and cannot underestimate how honoured we are to have been embraced so generously by the many people who have and continue to welcome us into their homes. 

“What better way to thank our loyal customers, young and old, than with the bespoke, IKEA FLIP FLÖP – a playful blend of Swedish design and the Australian love for flip flops. It’s our way of saying thank you – and a reminder that after 50 years, we’re just getting started.”

As IKEA continues to evolve with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and innovation, the Swedish-Australian connection remains strong – evident in both our homes and in the shared values of simplicity, functionality, and durable design.