THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Acting Minister for Defence
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
094/2009
PROGRESS IN SECURING MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR
LOCAL INDUSTRY ON JSF
Greg Combet, Acting Minister for Defence announced today that Lockheed
Martin has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) in Melbourne
with three Australian companies for future Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) work.
Under the MoUs, it is planned that the Australian companies will potentially
produce over 800 complete sets of JSF vertical tails and a range of JSF
fuselage composite components – creating over 300 high-end jobs.
“In a continuing success story for Australian small business, Melbourne-based
Marand Precision Engineering Pty Ltd will work with JSF newcomer Quickstep
Holdings Ltd from Perth and BAE Systems (Australia) in Adelaide on the vertical
tails,” Mr Combet said.
Lockheed Martin signed a second MoU with Quickstep and Northrop Grumman
for the planned production of JSF composite doors and panels.
“I congratulate Marand, Quickstep and BAE Systems (Australia) on their
success in progressing to this stage in negotiations.
“The Government welcomes this significant step forward in securing a major
opportunity for Australian companies on the JSF Program and we will continue
to work with all parties to help secure these major opportunities,” Mr Combet
said.
“A lot of work still needs to be done to turn the MoUs into contracts but the
Government welcomes the ongoing efforts by Lockheed Martin and its JSF
industry partners – BAE Systems (UK) and Northrop Grumman Corporation – to
award work to local companies as agreed under the JSF Industry Participation
Plan,” Mr Combet said.
“To date, some 25 Australian companies have won more than $220 million in
JSF work, primarily in design and production of the 19 test aircraft and
associated support equipment.
“With the JSF Program now ramping up to production rates, much larger
opportunities are opening up, and I encourage Lockheed to continue working
with Australian companies who have a lot to offer the global JSF Program,” Mr
Combet said.
Media Contact:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
(02) 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Public Affairs:
(02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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