Lockheed Martin muscles up local defence

Lockheed Martin Australia’s supply of key defence equipment comes with extensive economic benefits, according to the Lockheed Martin Australia 2022 Economic Impact Report, produced by Deloitte Access Economics.

LMA supplies the F-35 Joint Strike fighter, Sikorsky helicopters and Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft among others supports 3,422 jobs nationally, according to DE.

Highlights from the report include:

• In 2022, Lockheed Martin Australia made a total economic contribution of $583 million of added value to Australia’s Gross Domestic Product
• There was a direct contribution of $252 million added through LMA’s activities and $331 million generated through Australian-based supply chains.
• And in 2022, a network of 1,200 Australian SMEs captured nearly $250 million in expenditure.

Specialised and high value manufacturing, and professional services sectors comprise the largest share of Lockheed Martin Australia’s supply chain expenditure.

Being part of the F-35 programme has seen Melbourne-based Marand Precision Engineering make investments in its people and processes, expanding its presence to the United States and become one of Australia’s largest defence industry exporters.

Other successful partnerships with Australian industry include Ferra, Av-Comm, and Silentium Defence.

Lockheed Martin Australia Chief Executive Warren McDonald said: “We are proud of our long-standing relationship as a key delivery partner for the Australian Defence Force, and we look forward to continuing our work on the projects that will increase Australia’s national security.

“The findings of the report demonstrate the steps Lockheed Martin Australia is putting in place to promote STEM and defence work for the next generation.

“We are collaborating with local partners to promote STEM and defence careers and Lockheed Martin Australia is dedicated to advancing diversity within STEM and the defence industry.”

Support for F-35 programmes generated the largest overall economic contribution of $199 million value added while supporting 1,361 jobs.

As the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter original equipment manufacturer and sustainment prime, Lockheed Martin Australia works with its local industry partners to conduct training and sustainment activities for the Royal Australian Air Force’s fleet in Williamtown and Tindal.

Sikorsky Australia provides sustainment services for the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, has funded and implemented an apprenticeship training program.

Over the next five years, Sikorsky Australia will grow its skilled workforce in Nowra, NSW predominantly comprising engineers and maintenance workers, from 200 to 300 personnel.

LMA is developing future projects for Australia’s defence sector:

• Project AIR 6500 Phase 1, which will provide the ADF with a Joint Air Battle Management System
• Project JP9102, the Australian Defence Satellite Communications System that will provide the ADF with a sovereign military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) system
• The Australian Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Enterprise, accelerating delivery of guided missiles for Australia.
• And the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network (SouthPAN) system, which will provide enhanced positioning accuracy to industry and the broader community.

Picture: airforce.gov.au/F-35 fighter