Minister for Defence Materiel and Science - Australian Defence industry benefits from Joint Strike Fighter exports

BAE Systems Australia is the latest of some 30 Australian companies who have won production work for the global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program.

Under a long-term agreement with Northrop Grumman Corporation valued at US$15 million, BAE Systems Australia has begun exporting high-end circuit boards and sub-system assemblies for the Joint Strike Fighter.

“The Turnbull Government strongly supports maximising the opportunities for Australian industries to participate in defence acquisition and sustainment,” Minister Brough said.

“The Joint Strike Fighter is currently the largest defence program in the world and Defence has been working closely with Australian industry to promote their participation.”

Minister Brough said Australian industry is already surpassing the expectations of international Joint Strike Fighter manufacturers.

“Already, Australian companies have secured more than AUD$500 million of work, with Defence estimating that Australian industry will win at least US$1.5 billion worth of work in the production phase of the Joint Strike Fighter program,” Minister Brough said.

“I congratulate BAE Systems Australia on achieving this milestone and their commitment to gaining qualification with Northrop Grumman for the Joint Strike Fighter program.”

The Adelaide-based BAE Systems Australia will export parylene–coated circuit boards, which will be used in the Joint Strike Fighter’s Communication, Navigation and Identification (CNI) system, developed by Northrop Grumman. The parylene coating protects the boards from the harsh conditions in the aerospace environment.

The first two Australian F-35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft are currently flying as part of the pool of aircraft at the International Pilot Training Centre at Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix, Arizona.

Media contacts:

Chloe Petch (Minister Brough’s Office) 0477 395 356

Defence Media (02) 6127 1999