Australian industry is providing a fundamental input to producing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) capability and need to meet the demand of increased volumes in aircraft production.
This was a message from Lockheed Martin’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of the F-35 Lightning II Program, Ms Lorraine Martin, when she acknowledged the contribution of Australian industry in the Joint Strike Fighter Program during a visit to Australia this week.
In her three day visit Ms Martin took the opportunity to acknowledge Australian industry successes to the F-35 Program.
“Australian industry has been a significant contributor to the F-35 capability so far. There are now over 100 F-35s flying in either an operational or training capacity and that is a direct result of great effort and innovation from the contributing industry base,” said Ms Martin.
During her short visit, Ms Martin visited Marand, Cablex and AW Bell, three of some 30 Australian companies which have participated in the global program so far.
“It was a pleasure to personally acknowledge the staff of these companies who are part of the global production program where competition is fierce and continuous,” she said.
“F-35 industry participation is based on continuous performance and competition which is fundamental as we continue to deliver the most capable and affordable aircraft for our customers – it’s what they expect of us.,”
Australia has so far secured more than half a billion Australian dollars of production work with more opportunities about to be realised as production ramps up and the sustainment model for JSF starts maturing.
Program Manager of the Australian JSF Program, Air Vice Marshal Chris Deeble, welcomed Ms Martin’s visit.
“This year 45 aircraft were produced as part of the global F-35 Program; that is going to increase to 100 by 2017 and will continue to ramp significantly until 2025 based on the current production schedule,” he said.
“With this production ramp, we are expecting the flow on effects for Australian industry to be very positive in line with production plan forecasts.
“Companies will need to be prepared to manage this increase in volume and continue to be reliable, innovative and cost competitive to hold their places in the global supply chains.
“I have no doubt that with continued collaboration between Defence and industry, the benefits for both capability and industry will be realised.”
Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) - Formally Defence Material Organization (DMO)