Representatives of the US JSF Program Office and prime contractor Lockheed Martin today concluded the first stage in a series of briefings on the JSF, the strike fighter of the future. After two days in Canberra, the team will now provide briefings for Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel at RAAF Bases Williamtown, Glenbrook and Amberley.
The visit follows the first phase of Government to Government negotiations between Australia and the United States. These negotiations address the terms of Australia's involvement in the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the program.
The JSF is being developed in a cooperative program between the United States Government and prime contractor Lockheed Martin. Australia, along with a number of other countries, was invited to become a partner in development and demonstration of the aircraft.
Entering into the JSF program as a partner in the System Development and Demonstration Phase (SDD) provides a significant opportunity for Australian industry. SDD partnership opens an opportunity for Australian industry to be part of the global development, production and support chain for one of the largest international defense projects in history, with production of more than 4,500 aircraft expected. Even with a small share in the total JSF program the potential industry benefits are significant. The challenge for Australian industry will be to compete on a global scale for JSF work.
The Department of Defence and Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources are working closely with industry to maximize the opportunities for Australian industry to participate.
Air Commodore John Harvey, leader of the Integrated Project Team for the JSF project, said "The JSF's combination of stealth, payload, precision munitions and advanced sensors, coupled with air to air refueling and Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, will provide a significant capability improvement over existing F111 and FA18."
