21st Century Security
Australia News Releases
CANBERRA, Thursday 20 May, 2021 – Lockheed Martin Australia congratulates Air Vice Marshal Catherine Roberts AM, CSC, on her appointment as inaugural head of the Department of Defence’s new Space Division.
The appointment and establishment of the new division, combined with the government’s commitment to invest approximately $7 billion in space capabilities over the next 10 years, signal a strong commitment to Australia’s defence industry.
Lockheed Martin Australia Chief Executive Joe North welcomed the announcement of the new Space Division and congratulated AVM Roberts on her appointment, which will commence in January 2022.
“The Space domain represents a critical part of Lockheed Martin Australia’s operations and, as the world’s largest space business, we are committed to working with Defence, as well as our industry and research partners, to develop a sovereign space capability that will protect Australia’s national interests,” he said. “I congratulate AVM Roberts on her appointment and have no doubt that she will bring a wealth of leadership experience and expertise to this critical role.”
Rod Drury, Vice President International, Lockheed Martin Space, also welcomed the appointment.
“The space industry is rapidly evolving, and we see many opportunities for Australia to grow its industrial space capability as well as develop and export new technologies globally,” he said. “The establishment of a Space Division is an important step and I congratulate AVM Roberts on her appointment.”
David Ball, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), Lockheed Martin Space, said he was delighted AVM Roberts had been appointed given her exemplary credentials and depth of experience with the Royal Australian Air Force.
“Strong leadership combined with continued investment will be critical to realising a highly skilled and capable space industry in our region,” he said. “I look forward to collaborating with AVM Roberts and the Space Division as we work towards our shared goal of developing a sovereign space capability to meet the challenges of the coming decades.”
About Lockheed Martin Australia
Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,000 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.
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Media Contact:
Michelle Scully, Head of Communications Australia and New Zealand, +61 448 032 387