Beazley joins Lockheed Martin Australia board

A file image of Kim Beazley taken during the Interfet operation in East Timor in 1999 flying back to Dili after visiting HMAS Sydney. (Defence)

Former Defence Minister Kim Beazley has joined the board of Lockheed Martin Australia.

The company made the announcement of Beazley’s appointment in a statement on Thursday.

Beazley, who was also Deputy Prime Minister and recently ended a seven-year stint as Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, said he had a “deep respect for Lockheed Martin, both as an industry leader and a technology innovator”.

“I look forward to contributing to Lockheed Martin Australia’s ongoing success as a key technology partner to Australia’s Defence Force and broader industry sector,” Beazley said in a statement on Thursday.

Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand chief executive Raydon Gates described Beazley as one of Australia’s most distinguished statesmen.

“As a passionate advocate for Australian industry and a former Defence Minister, Kim brings invaluable experience to the Lockheed Martin Australia Board,” Gates said.

Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Australia has ordered 72 F-35A aircraft.

Currently, Beazley is the national president of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.