21st Century Security
Australia News Releases
AVALON AIR SHOW, Wednesday February 27: The Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne has today announced the signing of a strategic agreement with Lockheed Martin Australia to support the sustainment of Australia’s F-35As.
The Heads of Agreement provides an agreed set of contracting principles for both the Australian Department of Defence, and Lockheed Martin Australia to deliver ongoing F-35 sovereign contracts for the life of the F-35A Australian fleet.
Today’s announcement builds upon the foundation of existing sovereign Australian Department of Defence F-35 contracts with Lockheed Martin Australia and provides a streamlined framework and conditions for the establishment of future contracts for F-35 sovereign capabilities.
Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, Vince Di Pietro, AM, CSC, said the agreement is the cornerstone of the partnership between Lockheed Martin and the Australian customer and will reduce red tape for all new contracts.
“This Heads of Agreement provides a fundamental pillar in Lockheed Martin’s long-term F-35 relationship with the Australian Department of Defence to deliver Royal Australian Air Force F-35 capability and is testament to our commitment in ensuring that the Royal Australian Air Force can meet its sovereign 5th generation aerospace combat capability needs,” he said.
“Lockheed Martin Australia is excited to support the RAAF in the establishment of F-35A capability and to the ongoing provision of sustainment services in Australia in the years ahead, including technical, logistics, information systems and training support.”
“As the maker of the F-35, no one knows the aircraft better. We are committed to the ongoing realisation of opportunities for RAAF personnel and Australian industry partners to develop skills in high-end roles, including the development of advanced technologies and sustainment for the F-35,” Mr Di Pietro said.
Australian industry plays a significant role in the F-35 program with more than 50 Australian companies contributing to the global program of record of more than 3,000 aircraft. To date, the F-35 program has secured more than 2,400 highly skilled jobs created and generated more than $1.3 billion AUD in contracts for Australian industry.
Lockheed Martin is the industry lead for F-35 global sustainment and is working in partnership with the Australian Defence Force and local industry to provide sustainment support and realise the full potential of the F-35 as an integrated force multiplier for decades to come.
About Lockheed Martin Australia
Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1000 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.
Media Contact:
Michelle Scully, Head of Communications Australia and New Zealand, +61 448 032 387