BAE Systems wins regional F-35 role delivering high tech Australian jobs
Williamtown, Australia: BAE Systems Australia has welcomed the decision by the US Government’s F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) on global maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade (MRO&U) assignments for a variety of aircraft system components fitted to the new F-35 Lightning II aircraft (F-35), and that it has chosen Australia as a significant repair hub.
Ahead of a competitive field, Australia has been selected to undertake the majority of component repair assignments for the Pacific region from 2025, and ahead of other countries it has also secured an important role in global repairs from 2021 to 2025.
BAE Systems Australia will be the lead provider of global sustainment services for Life Support components, and will play a leading role across regional sustainment work across Avionics and Digital Mission Systems and electrical system components.
BAE Systems Australia’s role in supporting the next generation fighter aircraft will lead to the creation of more than 200 high-technology jobs to service the F-35 during its 30 years of service.
BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive, Glynn Phillips, said: “The Commonwealth Government’s advocacy for Australian industry has played a key role in securing this significant high-technology work. The decision is a vote of confidence in the capability of Australian industry and testament to the expertise and readiness of BAE Systems Australia and our teaming partners.”
Securing this work will further strengthen Australia’s defence industry increasing national capability and supporting the continued growth of a highly skilled workforce.
The global F-35 program is the largest and most advanced military aircraft program in the world. More than 3,000 F-35 aircraft will be produced by 2030 for a number of countries, including Australia.
In February 2015, the US Government assigned BAE Systems Australia F-35 Regional Airframe sustainment work for the South Pacific. Today’s assignment awards additional sustainment work to the company which has a facility located near Williamtown RAAF base.
