Lockheed announces senior appointment, new offices for major defence satellite project

Lockheed Martin Australia has announced Toni-Anne Munn as Deputy Program Director for JP9102, the multi-billion-dollar military satellite communications project that LMA was named preferred bidder on in April.

According to a statement on Monday, the new role would “facilitate further growth in the region” as LMA prepares for the project’s execution phase. The company added it had also leased office space in Melbourne’s CBD, as part of a move to establish Victoria as the engineering and technical hub for JP9102. 

LMA’s presence in the state also includes R&D site the STELaRLab in Melbourne.

David Ball, Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand, Lockheed Martin Australia Space, said Munn’s experience in delivering major complex defence programs “will be pivotal to the success of JP9102 and the management of our existing communications portfolio.

“With her innovative project leadership skills and comprehensive understanding of industry, Toni-Anne will be instrumental in realising Lockheed Martin Australia’s vision for a resilient and self-reliant national space sector.”

Munn’s resume includes two decades in program management across major defence and telecommunications projects. She will report to JP9102 Program Director Chris Jewell, and split her time predominantly between Canberra and Melbourne.

“Leveraging Lockheed Martin’s rich heritage and unrivalled capability in space, my focus will be on enhancing operational efficiency, developing our team’s capabilities, and remaining on the forefront of technological innovation, all to benefit our customer,” added Munn.

As preferred bidder, Lockheed Martin Australia has progressed to the next stage of the Defence procurement process, which includes engaging in collaborative tender clarification and improvement activities.

The company announced the selection of Victoria as the engineering and technical hub for JP9102 shortly before their selection, saying that over 200 jobs would be created as a result.

The project will deliver the Australian Defence Force (ADF) a sovereign military satellite communications system “defined by its extensibility, agility and resilience”.

Tender submissions for closed on January 10, with other bids including those led by Airbus, Lockheed Martin Australia and the Optus/Raytheon Australia/Thales Australia Team AUSSAT.

Lockheed’s team of Australian companies for the project includes Inovor Technologies, EM Solutions, AV-Comm, Linfox, Shoal Group, Ronson Gears, Calytrix Technologies, Conscia, Clearbox Systems, DXC and Blacktree Technology to deliver ground and control segments.

Picture: Credit Lockheed Martin Australia

Further reading

Inovor to share Lockheed Martin JP9102 missions to space

Lockheed Martin promises SME involvement in new satellite system

Lockheed Martin selects Victoria for satellite system development

LMA and Clearbox Systems integrate military satellite communications