Joint media release - Minister for Defence and Member for Gilmore - Gilmore delivering Defence capability

Nowra defence supplier Air Affairs Australia officially opened its new headquarters today after it almost quadrupled its workforce over the past two years.

Minister for Defence Senator the Hon Marise Payne and Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis MP opened the new site at Albatross Aviation Technology Park after the local success-story grew its workforce from 35 to 130 people and increased turnover five-fold.

“Air Affairs Australia is a unique Nowra success story, which provides the Australian Defence Force with cutting-edge, specialised aerial target systems as well as a range of other support to ADF training and spares for ADF aircraft,” Minister Payne said.

“Using aerial target systems enables the ADF to undertake specialised training effectively and efficiently, using realistic scenarios that ensure our personnel have the skills needed to respond to any threats.”

“Air Affairs is also supplying specialist Jet Air Support to the Air Force to support fast jet air operations training through mission type scenarios.”

“The Turnbull Government is investing $200 billion in our defence capability over the next decade to ensure the Australian Defence Force is equipped to succeed in our challenging strategic environment,” Minister Payne said.

This investment in our nation’s safety and security has the added advantage of driving investment and jobs growth in cities big and small right around Australia, including Nowra, as evidenced by Air Affairs Australia’s extraordinary expansion.”

Mrs Sudmalis said Gilmore is home to a large ADF presence supported by a thriving defence industry, which is creating local jobs and investment.

“The Nowra region is home to two important ADF bases - HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell - and hundreds of Defence personnel and their families”

“Air Affairs Australia is a great example of a Nowra business that is supporting the ADF to deliver the best capability from right here in our back yard while also competing and winning work on the world stage,” she said.

“Air Affairs are already exporting their equipment across Asia, from Thailand to South Korea, while also looking to enter new export markets.

“Regional Australia is critical to supporting our national defence and I’m proud of how our Nowra community supports that important role.”