Australia’s Department of Defence and Lockheed Martin Australia inked a historic $500 million deal to create the country’s future Joint Air Battle Management System as part of project AIR6500 Phase 1 (AIR6500-1). This system will give the defence department cutting-edge integrated air and missile defence capabilities to counter fast-moving threats with next-generation technologies.
Australians will construct the AIR6500-1, which is being supported by Lockheed Martin Australia and the Department of Defence. The development and implementation of this large national initiative will require the allocation of a substantial portion of the AIR6500-1 program workshare throughout Australian business.
An eight-year strategic partnership under AIR6500-1 is expected to yield significant economic advantages, including the creation of over 230 new employment in Adelaide, Williamtown, and Canberra. High-value STEM careers in project management, software development, engineering, and cyber are among the career options. High-value STEM professions including project management, software development, engineering, and cyber are available for employment.
The air and missile defence supply chain in Australia will generate an additional 300 indirect jobs and offer chances for Australian businesses to capitalize on a $83 billion worldwide export market. In addition, Lockheed Martin Australia is funding the creation of a National Integrated Air and Missile Defence Ecosystem to bolster defence efforts.
It is a privilege for us to lead the AIR6500-1 delivery and serve as the strategic partner of the Australian Defence Force. Australian business is at the heart of this combined all-domain system for 21st-century security, according to Erika Marshall, vice president of C4ISR at Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems. “We are collaborating with the Department of Defence to leverage the creativity of Australian small-to-medium sized businesses, industry leaders, and academic institutions to create a transformative capability that will make Australia’s Defence Force one of the most cutting edge in the world.”
“Australia and our allies will be better connected and able to work together to deter air and missile threats in the future thanks to AIR6500-1. He continued, In a contentious and dynamic setting, AIR6500-1 will provide decision-makers with additional time to think about and respond to a situation – time in these circumstances is a precious commodity.” Lockheed Martin Australia delivers Operator Evaluation System for AIR6500-1 ahead of schedule and on budget.
Defence’s air battle managers can now provide feedback on design and functionality, informing future development. CEO Warren McDonald commends strategic partnership with Defence.
