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BAE Systems to operate F-35 regional warehouse at Williamtown

written by australianaviation.com.au | August 21, 2017

BAE Systems Australia is to operate a regional warehouse for the F-35 Lightning II serving the Asia Pacific from RAAF Base Williamtown.

The assignment of the role by the US government is estimated to be worth more than $300 million to Australian industry over the life of the program, Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne announced on August 19.

“The warehouse will provide spares to all operational units in the region, whether the Joint Strike Fighter squadrons are from Australia or visiting squadrons on deployment from other parts of the world,” Minister Pyne said in a statement.

“The regional warehouse will be based at RAAF Base Williamtown near the F-35 airframe depot maintenance facility for the South Asia Pacific also assigned to BAE Systems Australia in December 2014.”

Minister Pyne said noted there are further future opportunities available in the F-35 program, including the assignments for the repair of the second tranche of air vehicle components expected to be announced next year.

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Comments (11)

  • Lechuga

    says:

    That was quick.

  • Harry

    says:

    Very.

  • Mick181

    says:

    It’s the only place that makes sense of Australia’s planned eventual buy, 60 odd will be based at Willy town, 2x front line Sqns, and the OCU. With a sqn each at Tindall and somewhere down the track Amberley.

  • Paul

    says:

    It’s just logical.

  • Raymond

    says:

    The pieces of the F-35 puzzle are all falling into place.

  • Paul

    says:

    Raymond, we are talking about a warehouse , it’s not that puzzling.

  • Paul

    says:

    It better be well guarded with all those secret , stealthy components.

  • Adrian P

    says:

    The Poms keep their stores in underground caves.

    Perhaps Coober Pedy would be a better location.

    No good dispersing aircraft just have all your spares blown away.

  • Paul

    says:

    Good point there Adrian, maybe Pine Gap would be a safe place. The base will even take a few nuke hits , as it is built on large springs to absorb those strikes!

  • Andrew

    says:

    Did anyone look to see where it is placed, Next to the frame facility It makes sense to have it there as the parts would not be required to be hauled over long distances to reach the required area when they need a replacement for a failed part..

  • Paul

    says:

    Is the facility on base? If not , it would be a lot more logical because of security.

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