Lockheed Martin's relationship with Australia extends back to the 1950s, when the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) became the first international customer for the C-130 ‘Hercules’ tactical transport aircraft. This relationship has grown into an extensive partnership with the Australian Department of Defence and local industry to deliver the F-35A ‘Lightning II’ Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), as the combat-ready front line of the Australian air force. The RAAF today operates 12 C-130Js, and the Australian Government has selected the JSF to replace the current ‘Hornet’ fighter fleet. An initial tranche of 14 JSF’s is to be acquired under project Air 6000, with up to 100 of the unique fifth generation fighters to be ordered over the next decade.

Lockheed Martin business activity in Australia now spans the Aeronautics, Maritime, Surveillance, Defence Systems, C4ISR and Civil Information Technology domains. Through the wholly-owned Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA), an enviable record of successfull program execution and delivery of innovative capability has been established, all focusing on the needs of its Australian customers. A case in point is the Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar Network (JORN), which commenced operations in 2003, and now provides a unique vehicle for long range surveillance and national border protection. Local development and progressive enhancement of the system has established Australia as a world leader in long range radar and surveillance technology. Continual support innovations are providing long-term savings under the Strategic Reform Program.

Core capabilities developed in conjunction with JORN include system integration, system engineering, and complex software development, as well as the operation, support, and sustainment of major installed assets. These capabilities have been further applied to Maritime systems, including supply and fit of the ‘Aegis’ Weapon System aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s three new ‘Hobart’-class air warfare destroyers (project Sea 4000). Designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin for the US Navy, the ‘Aegis’ system is the world’s premier proven naval area defence system, and now operates with multiple allied navies.

Lockheed Martin capabilities in advanced radar, communications and systems integration have been further applied to deliver a state-of-the-art Advanced Train Management System (ATMS) for the Australian Rail Track Corporation. This advanced technology promises substantial productivity improvements and assocated cost reductions in train system management, thus helping to position Australia at the forefront of rail technology innovation worldwide.

Looking to the future, LMA is now working to apply these same engineering capabilities, along with other leading edge technologies, to Australia’s next generation of undersea and surface ships. Projects in focus include: the 12 future submarines (project Sea 1000) – set to replace the existing ‘Collins’-class boats after 2025; and platform and combat system options relating to the prospective new Offshore Patrol Vessel (project Sea 1180) and replacement ‘Anzac’-class frigate (project Sea 5000) fleets.

LMA’s proven record of successful program execution across defence systems also extends into the Civil IT domain, with capabilities ranging from Managed ICT Services, to the development and delivery of complex classified software solutions. LMA’s affordable and reliable solutions have been effectively leveraged to support IT structures employed by the Australian Taxation Office, as well as several other government instrumentalities and service agencies. Our IT expertise has been redcently further expanded with the opening of our NexGen Cyber Innovation & Technology Centre (NCITE AU), in the national capital, Canberra.

Lockheed Martin is also a recognised leader in the delivery of world class Simulation and Training Systems. Focusing on fixed wing pilot and maintainer training through to automated ship systems, LMA recognises that one size does not fit all, and we are working to provide scalable and tailored solutions to meet Australia’s current and future simulation and training needs. Systems delivered include a training system for the Army’s ‘Abrams’ main battle tanks (delivered via a partnership with an Australian-based SME), along with an innovative solution for the ADF’s future Pilot Training System (project Air 5428).

LMA could not have achieved its rapid growth in Australia without the firm commitment of its local partners. Through mentoring under the early development stages of the JSF program, several Australian-owned companies will progressively benefit from multi-million dollar contracts moving forward as the F-35 program heads into full rate production. Building on this base of industry partners, LMA signed in January 2011 a Global Supply Chain Deed with the Commonwealth of Australia, that will extend existing (and new) relationships with local enterprises into global component and sub-system supply chain opportunities for future contracts won in Australia. We will shortly open an Australian Office of Industrial Participation to leverage GSC opportunities for local industry related to the MH-60R naval helicopter acqusition (Air 9000/8) and other ADF programs.

From those modest beginnings in 1950, LMA has grown to over 700 staff currently engaged throughout Australia - from Queensland to Western Australia and many points in between. Across the 'ditch', over 130 Lockheed Martin staff support the New Zealand Defence Force under the project ‘Alexander’ logistics contract. By combining skilled staff with an experienced management team, and through a customer oriented contracting approach offers real value-for-money solutions, Lockheed Martin aims to continue to grow and establish itself as a major presence in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.