BAE Systems has a proven track record of delivering sustainment on world-leading combat aircraft and we play a leading role in delivering this support to the global F-35 fleet.
To date, only around 5% of the overall fleet is currently in service and we are prepared for a rapid growth in the number of aircraft going in to service with air forces around the world.
Keeping this fleet flying through spares and repairs, technical support and training as well as engineering know-how, will be crucial to our customers.
We are part of the emerging global sustainment network being set up to support the growing F-35 fleet.
The UK will be a significant repair hub for Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul & Upgrade (MRO&U) services for F-35 avionics and aircraft components. We will carry out this work as part of a team alongside the Defence Electronics and Components Agency and Northrop Grumman, operating out of the DECA site at RAF Sealand from 2018.
We are also part of a programme which will deliver engineering and training facilities at RAF Marham in Norfolk in preparation for the arrival of the RAF's F-35 Lightning II fleet in 2018.
In the US, we are an integral part of the Integrated Test Force team, providing a range of support activities including fleet management, reliability and maintainability analysis, spares and repairs, software development and training.
Our team in Australia will be responsible for airframe MRO&U of the F-35 fleet in the Southern Pacific region. Forming an important part of the global sustainment capability for the fleet, our depot in Williamtown will support all F-35 aircraft operating in the region from 2018.
Like the UK, Australia will be a significant repair hub for MRO&U services for F-35 avionics and aircraft components and we will be the lead provider of these services alongside our industry partners.