Saab's Australian subsidiary has opened an Advanced Maritime Systems Center as part of the parent company's naval systems integration program.

The center opened this week is located in Adelaide in a ceremony officiated by Australian Defense Minister David Johnston.

"I am very pleased to officially open the Advanced Maritime Systems Center," he said.

"It has been fantastic to see the world-leading technology which Saab is developing right here in Adelaide. For example, the next generation of the Australian-developed 9LV combat management system, which has performed exceptionally as part of the anti-ship missile defense upgrade on the Navy's ANZAC-class frigates, will be developed here at this facility."

More than 100 engineers, project managers and other personnel will work at the new center. The number will double by the year 2020, the company said.

"We're very proud that Adelaide is now a major contributor to Saab's global combat systems integration capability," said Dean Rosenfield, managing director of Saab Australia. "In addition to being one of the leading fire control and missile integration systems centers in the world, the Advanced Maritime Systems Center will also be a development hub for other naval programs, such as the next generation of the integrated ship control management and monitoring system which Saab has developed for Australia's Collins-class submarines."

Last March, Saab announced it planned to expand its naval systems business, and just recently completed negotiations to acquire new shipyards.