Joint Strike Fighter (JSF): Contacts and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Contact Details

The JSF Industry Team can be contacted at the details listed below:

JSF Industry Team
Department of Innovation, Industry, 

Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
Canberra  ACT  2601  AUSTRALIA
Tel: +61 2 6213 6000 (switchboard)
Email the JSF Industry Team

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) Phase  

 Why did the Government decide to participate in the Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program? 

• A key determinant underpinning the decision to join the JSF SDD phase was the expectation that SDD will generate industry opportunities of a substantial and enduring nature.  The Departments of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research and Defence are taking a proactive approach to support industry and ensure they are treated fairly and accorded opportunities in line with capabilities.

Does this decision commit Australia to purchasing the JSF?

• On 25 November 2009 the Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon John Faulkner, announced that the Australian Government had approved acquisition of the first batch of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.
• The Australian Government is a partner in the development phase of the JSF aircraft.  As a partner, Australia has access to information which will allow us to be better informed when an acquisition decision is to be made.

Why not just buy the planes when they are ready?

• The decision to join the SDD phase of JSF was based on capability, cost and Australian industry opportunities.  Joining the SDD phase of JSF gives Australia significant advantages in all areas.

Why is Australia a level 3 partner? 

• The level of investment was considered appropriate in terms of:
  • the impact on the defence budget;
  • the size of the Australian aerospace industry sector (and work likely to be gained); and 
  • the number of JSF aircraft likely to be acquired by Australia.

How much work will be made available to Australian industry? Are there any guarantees?

• The JSF program is unlike previous military aerospace projects Australia has participated in.  There are no 'guaranteed work share' arrangements. Industry will have to compete for work on a "best value" basis according to its capabilities and competitive advantages.

What is the 'best value' approach taken towards JSF?

• One of the key pillars of the JSF program is affordability of the aircraft. Part of the best value approach to sourcing and procurement involved eliminating any type of industrial offset requirement for the life of the program.

What is the Australian Government doing to help Australian industry get its share of work?

• The Government is pursuing a comprehensive range of initiatives, in partnership with industry, to maximise the opportunities for Australian industry to participate.
• These include facilitating industry delegations to the US, facilitating Lockheed Martin and partners' visits to Australia, forming the Australian JSF Industry Group (AJIG), assisting with the Industry Capability Teams (ICTs), and developing this website.  A CD-ROM of Australian JSF related aerospace capabilities also has been produced by the JSF Industry Team. 
• The initial investment of US$150M to enter the SDD phase provided the opportunity for Australian industry to be considered in the first place.
• An Industry Engagement Strategy has been released to industry which outlines the Government's objectives from participation in the program.

What major areas of Australian industry participation exist in SDD?

• Design, development and manufacturing of structural components of the aircraft.

 How is Australian industry performing?

• Australian industry is extremely competitive. The organised and cooperative approach presented by the partnership of industry and Government as "Team Australia" is opening doors.
• Prime contractors regularly visit Australia to investigate potential sources of supply.
• Australia won its first contract after only 8 months of involvement in the program.

Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) Phase

What is Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development (PSFD) phase?

• PSFD is the second stage of the JSF program, focussing on Production, Sustainment and Follow-on Development aspects of the JSF.
  • Production is divided into two areas: Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) and Full Rate Production (FRP). This phase relates to the manufacture of components, assemblies and other items.
  • The Sustainment phase relates to forecasted opportunities in non-manufacturing logistics support.
  • Specific content of the Follow-on Development phase has not yet been identified. As requirements evolve, relevant opportunities for Australian industry will be identified for inclusion.

What is the difference between the LRIP and FRP phases?

• The LRIP phase is a preliminary production run of a small number of aircraft to optimise production techniques and identify areas of improvement. The FRP phase follows this and is expected to produce approximately 3 000 aircraft at an improved rate, following the LRIP.

What are the major areas of PSFD work in Australian industry?

• Opportunities exist for tooling, component and structures manufacture of major assemblies during the production phase as well as various opportunities to engage in training systems and logistic elements during the sustainment phase.

How long will work last under the PSFD?

• Industrial participation in the PSFD section is expected span the entire 30+ years of the JSF program.

What is the PSFD Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?

• The PSFD MOU provides the cooperative framework for the acquisition and support of the JSF over its life and provides significant financial and non-financial benefits from the ongoing partnership.  The MOU and associated documents also guarantees Australia’s access to the technology and data it needs to operate and support the JSF to meet Australia’s sovereign defence needs. Entering into the MOU also opens up billions of dollars in opportunities for Australian industry, building on its success in the development phase.

 When will the JSF become commissioned?

• Acquisition is scheduled for 2014, with 2018 scheduled as the commission date.

How many is Australia buying?

• The acquisition of the first batch of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft, as foreshadowed in the 2009 Defence White Paper, was approved on 25 November 2009.
• Approval of the next batch of aircraft and all necessary support and enabling capabilities, sufficient to establish three operational squadrons and a training squadron of CTOL JSF, will be considered in 2012. This will fulfil the Government’s White Paper commitment to acquire three operational squadrons comprising not fewer than 72 aircraft.

How do I become involved?

• The Australian Government and industry are working together to maximise opportunities for industry participation in the JSF program. See the Information for Industry page for further details on becoming involved.