Peter La Franchi/CANBERRA
Saab is to take a 10% stake in Australian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Aerosonde Holdings via its Saab Pacific subsidiary. It also aims to negotiate a joint marketing and technical co-operation programme with Aerosonde to pursue tactical-level military surveillance contracts.
Saab Systems Australia managing director Nick Hammond says the deal will allow the Swedish manufacturer to "accelerate" market penetration in the sector, and will position it and Aerosonde "to seize significant defence opportunities".
The deal is contingent on the completion of a friendly takeover of Aerosonde by Australian Platinum Mines, to be finalised in May (Flight International, 20-26 March), with Saab's stake to comprise 2.5 million fully paid shares in the listed company, which will take the Aerosonde name.
Aerosonde's Mk3 UAV, which will form the basis of proposed military variants to be jointly developed with Saab, commenced test flying this month using a new fuel injected engine, attaining altitudes of 20,000ft (6,100m).
Saab Pacific had been negotiating the purchase of up to 40% of Aerosonde prior to the Australian Platinum takeover.
Source: Flight International
