Aussie businesses clock up $2.7billion in JSF contracts

More than 50 Australian companies have so far shared in $2.7 billion in F-35 Joint Strike Fighter parts production contracts.

FILE PHOTO (Dec 2018): Australia’s first two F-35As to be based on home soil – A35-009 and A35-010 – arrive at RAAF Base Williamtown. RAAF now has more than 30 F-35s at Williamtown. Photo by Brian Hartigan.

Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said Australian companies achieved their first $1 billion contracts milestone in February 2018 .

“Australia’s early involvement in the F-35 Program offered local industry outstanding opportunities to participate from the outset, which has led to this incredible achievement earlier than anticipated.

“I thank prime contractors Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney for their commitment to providing Industrial Participation Program opportunities to F-35 partner nations on a best-value basis.

“This means Australian businesses, such as Collins Aerospace Australia, have been able to establish themselves as critical supply partners in the global program.

“The Australian government will continue to champion and support innovative Australian companies to win work in the global F-35 Program.”

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said Australian industry continued to perform beyond expectations as part of the global F-35 Program.

“This excellent performance has led to the increased employment of Australian workers and Australian industry, which is set to grow as the F-35 capability matures worldwide,” Minister Price said.

The government has also launched a new industry support program to assist Australian companies in becoming established in the sustainment phase of the global F-35 Program.

Minister Reynolds announced the Joint Strike Fighter – Industry Support Program (JSF-ISP) today, with $4 million initially available in grant funding to establish the it.

“JSF-ISP sustainment opportunities will support Australian companies that have been successfully appointed by the United States Department of Defense for component repair capability as part of the F-35 Global Support Solution,” Minister Reynolds said.

“This will not only create jobs for Australians, but will deliver more opportunities for Australians small businesses to export their capabilities overseas,” she said.

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