Objective
Ensure the Australian aerospace and related industries have an opportunity to participate in and gain economic benefits from the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program.
Significance for Australia
The JSF is a next generation combat aircraft currently under development. In November 2006, the Australian and United States Governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing Australia to participate in the Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development phase of the international Program. This allows Australian industry to bid for development and manufacturing work and ongoing support opportunities over the next 20–30 years. Australia is one of nine international partners in the Program.
Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor, has identified production opportunities for which Australia is well placed to compete. There will also be additional opportunities identified in production and support throughout the life of the Program.
Participation in the JSF Program will provide significant savings in Australia’s expected purchase of the JSF as well as help to ensure Australia’s defence capability requirements are engineered into the product from the outset.
Departmental role and current achievements
The Australian Government is facilitating Australia’s involvement in the JSF Program through an industry and whole-of-government partnership. The Australian Government is represented by the JSF Industry Team, which consists of officers from the Departments of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and Defence. Industry is represented through the JSF Industry Advisory Council (JIAC), which includes representatives from all relevant sectors of the aerospace and related industries. Industry Capability Teams (ICTs) have also been formed to market Australia’s capabilities in specific areas. This approach is referred to as 'Team Australia'.
The JSF Industry Team assists industry to pursue business opportunities. It has facilitated visits from Lockheed Martin and other prime contractors, and organised industry delegations to the United States. A JSF Industry Engagement Strategy, aimed at ensuring Australian industry captures significant business opportunities has been developed by the JIAC and endorsed by Government.
Australia’s aerospace and related industries have shown that they are capable of winning JSF work, due to their ability to be cost and technically competitive. To May 2008, 24 Australian companies had signed production orders or contracts for JSF work. These and other Australian companies are now better positioned to win work in the global supply chains of these international companies.
Targets for 2008-09
- Continue to successfully market Australian capabilities to JSF Program primes and their suppliers.
- To work with Australian industry to convert the industrial opportunities identified by Lockheed Martin into long term contracts.
For further information
Phone: +61 2 6213 6068
Email: jsf@innovation.gov.au
Web: www.innovation.gov.au/jsf
Web: http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/lsp/Joint%20Strike%20Fighter%20(JSF.cfm
May 2008