Australia Celebrates Arrival of Its Inaugural Fifth-Generation F-35 at BAE Systems
The inaugural F-35 Joint Strike Fighter has recently arrived at BAE Systems Australia’s Williamtown facility and received an official welcome at a ceremony today.
The aircraft was greeted by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds, Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, and BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby Costigan.
BAE Systems’ Williamtown facility serves as the Southern Pacific Regional F-35 Heavy Airframe Depot, set to support F-35 aircraft in the area over the next thirty years. An initial workforce of 32 highly trained F-35 technicians has been assembled to undertake airframe maintenance and sustainment for the Depot.
This team has undergone a combination of training in the US and in collaboration with Royal Australian Air Force maintenance personnel at RAAF Base Williamtown, in preparation for sustainment operations moving to the company’s adjacent facilities.
Maintaining the F-35 will generate approximately 360 new direct employment opportunities for BAE Systems Australia over the next decade, foster a specialized supply chain involving around 76 SMEs, and contribute about $70 million to the GDP by 2025.
In line with the enhancement of F-35 sustainment support, the company has recently hired 25 former Jetstar technicians who were affected by job losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the commercial aviation sector.
The arrival of the first F-35 embodies the remarkable partnership and collaboration between the Australian Government, industrial partners, and the F-35 Joint Program Office team. The first batch of 72 F-35A aircraft reached Australia in 2018.
For nearly three decades, BAE Systems has provided fast jet maintenance and upgrades for RAAF aircraft from its Williamtown facility. This new role builds on the company’s legacy in the sustainment of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft across Australia.
Gabby Costigan, Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Australia, commented: “It is an honor to be part of this innovative global initiative.
“We anticipate delivering essential maintenance capabilities and continuing our partnership with the RAAF, the Department of Defence, Lockheed Martin, and the defence industry to support the global F-35 program.
“Crucially, this new endeavor will bring significant benefits to the region through the creation of new jobs and opportunities for local enterprises.”
BAE Systems has received contracts from the F-35 Joint Program Office for Regional Airframe Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul, and Upgrade (MRO&U), along with various Regional Component MRO&U and the Regional Warehouse.
