As the countdown to the arrival of Australia’s first two F-35A Joint Strike Fighters gains pace, so too does the upskilling of a specialised workforce to support our regional F-35 training centres and operational sites.
As part of the preparation to ensure Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Williamtown meets operational readiness, F-35 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Lockheed Martin will deliver crucial training to eight industry partner technicians at the Lockheed Martin production facility training centre in Fort Worth, Texas.
During their 13-week training program, the mechanical, avionics and structural technicians and qualified instructors from BAE Systems will work alongside Lockheed Martin F-35 subject matter experts and mentors.
Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia, Vince Di Pietro, said industry partnerships such as these ensure the demands of the F-35 and other advanced 5th Generation technologies and platforms are met.
“Through our continuing relationship with Australian industry, Lockheed Martin Australia will be a committed partner in delivering high performing and affordable sustainment solutions for Australia for decades ahead,” said Vince.
“As the Original Equipment Manufacturer, we are committed to bringing our accumulated experience to the successful establishment and through-life support of the RAAF F-35A fleet.”
BAE Systems Australia Aerospace and Integrated Systems Director, Steve Drury said BAE Systems is proud of its close collaboration with Lockheed Martin on the F-35 program.
“The training of our team in Fort Worth is an important milestone for our capability in Australia to support the Royal Australian Air Force and regional F-35 fleets,” he said.
Working with the Australian Department of Defence, Lockheed Martin Australia has established a team in Williamtown that will support the RAAF F-35 mission support capabilities.
Lockheed Martin Australia F-35 Program Manager, Andy Doyle, said that providing the training to BAE Australia staff at Fort Worth is an integral part of establishing an airframe depot at Williamtown for the through life Maintenance Repair Overhaul and Upgrade of the F-35.
“Our preferred approach to supporting sustainable industry development is to invest in and sustainably grow the capabilities of our Australian partners by providing technology and knowledge transfer to grow sovereign Australian capability,” said Andy.
“We continue to deliver genuine opportunities for Australians in regional centres to develop skills in high end industry roles, including maintenance and sustainment.”