BAE Systems to establish F-35 Asia-Pacific Regional Warehouse
Image courtesy BAE Systems
Housing critical parts of the Joint Strike Fighter, the warehouse is the third facility in the global support solution for the F-35 program with locations already in the Netherlands and United States.
In addition to maintaining Royal Australian Air Force F-35 aircraft, the facility will support F-35 variants operating in the region. This includes aircraft operating out of Singapore, Japan and South Korea, from US Navy and Royal Navy carrier aircraft and US Marine Corps F-35Bs deployed in the region.
The new contract will provide a foundation for jobs growth at the company’s Williamtown facility. By 2031, over 360 jobs will be created through the Regional Warehouse Program at the Williamtown precinct.
The announcement follows a $80 million Air Vehicle Support Services (AVSS) contract in December 2021 and the Commonwealth’s $100 million investment in the expansion of Williamtown facility in November this year.
BAE Systems Australia, Managing Director for Defence Delivery, Andrew Gresham said: “This contract is an integral part of building fighter jet sovereign capability within Australia and I am delighted we are able to expand our current contribution to the F-35 programme.
“For 30 years, we have provided maintenance and upgrades to the Royal Australian Air Force jets and the inclusion of the Asia-Pacific Regional Warehouse not only increases Australia’s global defence footprint, it cements Williamtown as an aerospace hub.
“This means more local jobs within the Hunter Region for years to come.”