Lockheed Martin's relationship with Australia extends back to the 1950s, when the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) became the first international customer for the C-130 ‘Hercules’ tactical transport aircraft, and extends through today via an extensive partnership with the Australian Department of Defence and local industry to deliver the F-35A ‘Lightning II’ Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) as the combat-ready front line of the Australian air force. The RAAF today operates 12 C-130Js, and the Australian Government has selected the JSF to replace the current ‘Hornet’ fighter fleet. An initial tranche of 14 JSF’s is to be acquired under project Air 6000, with up to 100 of the unique fifth generation fighters to be ordered over the next decade.

Lockheed Martin business activity in Australia now spans the Aeronautics, Maritime, Surveillance, Defence Systems, C4ISR and Civil Information Technology domains. Through the wholly-owned Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA), the company has established an enviable record of successfully executing programs and delivering innovative capability to meet the needs of its Australian customers. A case in point is the Jindalee Over-the-Horizon Radar Network (JORN), which commenced operations in 2003, and now provides a unique vehicle for long range surveillance and national border protection. Local development and progressive enhancement of the system has established Australia as a world leader in long range radar and surveillance technology.

Core capabilities developed in conjunction with JORN include system integration, system engineering, and complex software development, as well as the operation, support, and sustainment of major installed assets. These capabilities have been further applied to Maritime systems, including supply and fit of the ‘Aegis’ Weapon System aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s three new ‘Hobart’-class air warfare destroyers, as part of project Sea 4000. Designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin for the US Navy, the ‘Aegis’ system is the world’s premier proven naval area defence system, and now operates with several other allied navies.

Looking to the future, LMA is now working to apply these same engineering capabilities, along with other leading edge technologies, to Australia’s next generation of undersea and surface ships. Projects in focus include: the 12 future submarines (project Sea 1000) – set to replace the existing ‘Collins’-class boats after 2025; and platform and system options relating to the prospective new Offshore Patrol Vessel (project Sea 1180) and replacement ‘Anzac’-class frigate (project Sea 5000) fleets.

LMA’s proven record of successful program execution across defence systems also extends into Civil IT domains, with capabilities ranging from Managed ICT Services, to the development and delivery of complex classified software solutions. LMA’s affordable and reliable solutions now support IT structures employed by the Australian Taxation Office, as well as several other government instrumentalities and service agencies. These capabilities have also been applied to deliver a state-of-the-art Advanced Train Management System for the Australian Rail Track Corporation, which promises to put Australia at the forefront of rail technology worldwide.

Lockheed Martin is also a recognised leader in the delivery of world class Simulation and Training Systems. From fixed and rotary wing pilot and maintainer training to automated ship systems, LMA recognises that one size does not fit all, and we are working to provide scalable and tailored solutions to meet Australia’s current and future simulation and training needs. Systems delivered include a training system for the Army’s ‘Abrams’ main battle tanks (delivered via a partnership with an Australian-based SME), along with an innovative teaming with UK-owned Bristow Helicopters to bid for the ADF’s future Helicopter Aircrew Training System (project Air 9000/7).

LMA could not have achieved its rapid growth in Australia without the firm commitment of its local partners. Through mentoring under the early development stages of the JSF program, several Australian-based companies are now looking at the prospect of multi-million dollar contracts moving forward as the F-35 program heads into full rate production. Building on this base of companies, LMA signed in January 2011 a Global Supply Chain agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia, that will extend existing (and new) relationships with local companies into global component and sub-system supply chain opportunities for future contracts won in Australia.

From those modest beginnings in 1950, LMA has grown to over 600 staff currently engaged throughout Australia - from Queensland to Western Australia and points in between. A further 137 Lockheed Martin staff support the New Zealand Defence Force under the project ‘Alexander’ logistics contract. By combining skilled staff with an experienced management team, and a customer oriented contracting approach offering value-for-money solutions, LMA aims to continue to grow and establish itself as a major presence in Australia.