**Corrected from original version**

PROGRESS IN SECURING MAJOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL INDUSTRY ON JSF

Greg Combet, Acting Minister for Defence announced today that Lockheed Martin has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) in Melbourne with three companies for future Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) work.

Under the MoUs, it is planned that the Australian companies will potentially produce over 800 complete sets of JSF vertical tails and a range of JSF fuselage composite components – creating over 300 high-end jobs.

“In a continuing success story for Australian small business, Melbourne-based Marand Precision Engineering Pty Ltd will work with JSF newcomer Quickstep Holdings Ltd from Perth and BAE Systems (Australia) in Adelaide on the vertical tails,” Mr Combet said.

Lockheed Martin signed a second MoU with Quickstep and Northrop Grumman for the planned production of JSF composite doors and panels.

“I congratulate Marand, Quickstep and BAE Systems (Australia) on their success in progressing to this stage in negotiations.

“The Government welcomes this significant step forward in securing a major opportunity for Australian companies on the JSF Program and we will continue to work with all parties to help secure these major opportunities,” Mr Combet said.

“A lot of work still needs to be done to turn the MoUs into contracts but the Government welcomes the ongoing efforts by Lockheed Martin and its JSF industry partners – BAE Systems (UK) and Northrop Grumman Corporation – to award work to local companies as agreed under the JSF Industry Participation Plan,” Mr Combet said.

“To date, some 25 Australian companies have won more than $220 million in JSF work, primarily in design and production of the 19 test aircraft and associated support equipment. 

“With the JSF Program now ramping up to production rates, much larger opportunities are opening up, and I encourage Lockheed to continue working with Australian companies who have a lot to offer the global JSF Program,” Mr Combet said.

Media Contact:

Rod Hilton (Greg Combet): (02) 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619

Defence Public Affairs:                    (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664