On the 19th of August, we had another win for Australian industry participating in the global F-35 Program, with Australian company, BAE Systems Australia, being assigned the role of the Asia-Pacific Regional Warehouse by the United States Government.
This new assignment represents an estimated value to Australian Industry in excess of $300m in operations and infrastructure over the life of the F-35 program. It is expected to create between 10-15 jobs in Newcastle.
Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, said this successful bid continues to showcase Australia as a leading F-35 partner nation, in competition with other F-35 nations in the region.
“The warehouse will provide spares to all operational units in the region – whether the Joint Strike Fighter squadrons are from Australia, or visiting squadrons on deployment from other parts of the world,” Minister Pyne said.
“I congratulate BAE Systems Australia for being assigned this key role in the F-35 Global Support Solution.
“The Regional Warehouse will be based at RAAF Base Williamtown near the F-35 airframe depot maintenance facility for the South Asia-Pacific also assigned to BAE Systems Australia in December 2014.
“This announcement follows on the heels of Australia’s success in securing Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Upgrade for 64 out of 65 of available F-35 components in the first tranche of component repair assignments.”
Minister Pyne said the decision further shapes Australia towards becoming the regional hub for F-35 sustainment in the Asia-Pacific Region.
“It will generate jobs and improve aircraft availability with the warehouse located within our shores,” Minister Pyne said.
Mr Pyne said the F-35 Program has been lucrative for Australia to date, with Australian industry already achieving more than AU$800 million in contracts from F-35 design and production work.
“The announcement is the next step in Australia capitalising on opportunities in the F-35 Global Supply Chains and recognises Australia as a key strategic partner in the global F-35 Program,” Minister Pyne said.
Australian industry has further opportunities available in the F-35 Program with the assignments for repair of the second tranche of Air Vehicle Components expected to be announced next year.
Media Contacts
Rory Grant: 0439 764 809, pynemedia@defence.gov.au
Eleisa Hancock: 0427 981 990, pynemedia@defence.gov.au
Defence Media (02) 6127 1999, media@defence.gov.au
