This year, BAE Systems Australia celebrates its 70th birthday. Since its origins in a dusty paddock in South Australia in 1953, the company has worked hard to build a strong Australian company and a legacy of technology and innovation. Its’ purpose is clear – protect those who protect us. The company’s history of contributing to Australia’s defence began in the ‘50s supporting the Commonwealth’s aspirations to develop the nation’s military capability. And it has been innovating defence technologies at the cutting-edge ever since.
BAE Systems‘ Australian heritage dates back to testing of the first generation air defence missile systems in South Australia, where it introduced a sovereign missile capability to Australia, at the dawn of the missile age.
The company’s long history with the Royal Australian Navy began with a contract to manufacture and sustain periscope systems for the Collins Class submarine, a project BAE Systems still support to this day.