UNITED STATES KEY TO OUR DEFENCE CAPABILITY

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science today emphasised the importance of the United States Government and defence industry to Australian defence capability.

“A good relationship between the Australian and US Government and defence industries is critical for a number of our current defence procurements, and many of our future projects,” Mr Combet said.

Mr Combet said the importance of these relationships was highlighted following a visit to Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems and the US Naval Surface Warfare Centre.

“For example, Northrop Grumman is developing radar systems for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and the Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.

“The Defence Science Technology Organisation (DSTO) has been working with Northrop Grumman on verification of the JSF radar which is arguably the world’s most advanced and capable fighter aircraft radar.

“This involvement of DSTO will help provide the Australian Government with greater confidence in JSF capability and our ability to integrate that aircraft into the broader ADF.”

During a visit to the US Naval Surface Warfare Centre Mr Combet discussed with US Government and Naval personnel Australian naval projects including the Future Submarine, Future Frigate and the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD).

“The Centre is considered the world leader in Maritime technology with expertise in materials, hydrodynamics, signatures and propeller/propulsion design.

“Our close relationship with the United States means that we are in a very privileged position to be cooperating and sharing knowledge on key defence projects. I look forward to this close relationship continuing into the future.”

Media contacts:

Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):                    02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619

Defence Media Liaison:                         02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664