Six Australian companies have been awarded trial contracts to produce specialised components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.
The contracts come as part of an agreement between BAE Systems Australia and the Defence Materiel Organisation aimed at helping small and medium sized Australian businesses gain a foothold in BAE’s global supply chain.
The contracts, for the production of various mechanical assemblies that will form a part of the JSF’s on board electronic warfare system, will require each company to demonstrate adequate manufacturing techniques. Successful delivery of parts will qualify each company for ongoing participation in the program.
BAE said the contracts are the first stage of what could amount to as much as $300 million in work for Australian companies over the next 20 years.
The companies awarded initial contract are: Micreo, based in Brisbane; AW Bell, based in Melbourne; Ferra Engineering, based in Brisbane; Levett Engineering, based in Adelaide; TAE, based in Brisbane; and SEC Plating, based in Sydney.
