Lockheed Martin Australia has won a $327 million contract from the Australian Department of Defence to develop its Joint Air Battle Management System. According to the company, the task calls for delivering an integrated air and missile defense capability, deploying next-gen technologies to repulse high-speed threats and enhance interoperability with allies.
Erika Marshall, Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems vice president for C4ISR, said the project, dubbed AIR6500 Phase 1, is geared to “establish Australia’s Defence Force as one of the most highly advanced in the world.” She added that the project will tap small to medium-sized Australian enterprises, major industry players and academia.
The eight-year undertaking will have most of its tasks performed by Australian companies. More than 230 new jobs are expected to be created in Adelaide, Williamtown and Canberra. The career opportunities that the project will create include roles in project management, engineering, software development and cyber.
AIR6500-1 is also anticipated to bring 300 indirect jobs in the Australian air and missile defense supply chain.
Earlier, Lockheed Martin Australia secured a $24.5 million contract to manufacture Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System missiles. The deal, announced in January, will transfer U.S. technology, process engineering certification and start technical skill-building for the local workforce.