BAE Systems Australia is gearing up to be the lead provider of initial global sustainment services for Life Support components, and will play a leading role across regional sustainment work across Avionics and Digital Mission Systems; as well as supporting some electrical system components.
BAE Systems Australia’s role in supporting the next generation fighter aircraft will lead to the creation of approximately 200 high-technology jobs to service the F-35 during its 30 years of service.
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. The programme offers never-before-seen opportunities for Australian industry to sustain a capability set that will remain in service until the middle of the century.
In February 2015, the US Government assigned BAE Systems Australia F-35 Regional Airframe sustainment work for the South Pacific.
In November 2016, the US Government’s F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) awarded 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), to Australia, securing our position as a significant regional repair hub.