BAE Systems Australia has secured a new contract with Lockheed Martin to activate an F-35 Asia-Pacific Regional Warehouse at its Williamtown aircraft sustainment operations in regional New South Wales.

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 program.

“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.”