Potential for qld companies secure jsf contracts

Potential for Queensland companies to secure valuable JSF-related contracts

Queensland Minister for State Development and Natural Resources and Mines, Dr Anthony Lynham, recently met with aeronautics giant Lockheed Martin at Fort Worth, USA, to discuss how Queensland defence companies could position themselves to secure more contracts and jobs related to the production of the new F-35A Joint Strike Fighters (JSF).

With strengths in aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul and systems integration, Queensland is recognised as a major military aviation industry centre and is increasingly well placed to service valuable defence contracts.

Defence Industries Queensland will be available to assist local companies through supplier briefings, capability development, introductions and one-on-one meetings with Lockheed Martin executives to prepare them to bid for the next round of JSF contracts due later this year, and again next year.

Several Queensland companies are already part of Lockheed Martin's global JSF supply chain, including precision engineering group Ferra, thermal treatment company Heat Treatment Australia, radar and electronics group Micreo and gas-turbine engineering company TAE. These contracts currently support 50 local jobs, with potential for additional employment in the future.