Richmond, Australia - BAE Systems Australia has been awarded a contract from the New Air Combat Capability (NACC) Program to develop an operational model to integrate the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) into the Australian Defence Environment.
Under the nine month contract BAE Systems will work closely with the Australian Defence Force and NACC to develop a model that outlines all requirements for JSF operations and sustainment including maintenance, supply, training needs and fleet asset management.
Director Aerospace John Monaghan said: “This contract will play a critical role in ensuring that Defence, industry and our ADF men and women are ready and prepared for a smooth transition when the JSF comes into service.
“Our team will work to define the processes and information that will be required to ensure that the aircraft achieves its maximum operational effectiveness in any deployed environment.”
The company has leveraged its global experience and appointed an employee from the UK JSF team to lead the project. F-35 Tech Specialist Dave Harrison has more than 10 years experience with the aircraft and played a pivotal role working with the British Joint Combat Air Project to support the integration of the aircraft into the UK defence force.
The project also requires plans for follow-on phases that will support the continued integration of the aircraft through to achievement of its Initial Operating Capability in 2019/20.