In order to compete for and perform contracts in the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program, Australian firms will need to gain access to detailed specifications and sensitive information that can only be released under US law when the relevant export license agreements are in place. The US Export Licensing Process [GIF | 468 KB | 2.6mins @ 33.6kbps] is critical to the JSF Program and affects the industrial involvement of foreign partner nations. Australian firms need to understand this process, how it affects their efforts to bid for and win JSF contracts, and how they can avoid common pitfalls.
The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITARs) under the Arms Export Control Act regulates the export of defence articles (hardware, services and technical data) from the United States. Before Lockheed Martin or any of its US subcontractors can transfer technical data, goods or services to foreign JSF partner companies, they must apply for the appropriate export license and receive approval from the US State Department. The approval process can take three months or more, therefore Australian firms need to take account of these time requirements by confirming that the US firm has filed the relevant license application EARLY (before the bidding process starts) and by following up on its progress.
The following US export license agreements are most relevant to Australian industry at this stage of the JSF Program:
Note: Information in the public domain, and basic marketing or educational information is not subject to export control. Proprietary Information Agreements (PIAs) are not part of the US export licensing process - they are seperate agreements required by some US companies to protect their commercially sensitive (proprietary) information.
Australian Government facilitation and further information
The JSF Industry Team is working with the JSF Program primes and relevant subcontractors, the JSF Program Office and Australian Embassy staff in Washington to facilitate, monitor and assist Australian industry with export licensing issues to maximise opportunities in the JSF Program.
The JSF Industry Team is responsible for:
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Educating Australian industry on US export licensing controls and procedures;
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Facilitating and assisting with the export licensing process;
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Monitoring progress of export licensing to ensure Australian industry is able to capture JSF opportunities; and
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Reporting export license issues to Ministers and relevant Government officials for action.
For assistance, please contact the JSF Industry Team or Mr Steve Hyland (Director US Export Control Systems) in the Department of Defence on (08) 8305 6370 or 0416 265 037.
For further information on the process (particularly from a US perspective) see the JSF Program Office pages or download the US Department of State Guidelines for Preparing Agreements.Back to JSF: Australian Approach and Information for Industry