The $1.6 million centre is expected to house the training of current and new employees on advanced manufacturing technologies and processes.
The ‘national integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) ecosystem’ could include a physical site at RAAF Base Williamtown and will proceed even if the prime’s bid to win AIR6500 isn’t successful.
The prime is competing against rival Northrop Grumman in its bid for the Commonwealth government’s $2.7 billion AIR6500 project. The two have already seen off Boeing and Raytheon in the first phase of the evaluation process, with a final decision due late next year.
The training exercise aims to deter terrorism and enhance capacity-building in the region. The P-8A will be based in Italy, operating in the western and central Mediterranean until mid-October 2022.
On the 20th anniversary of the attacks, Squadron Leader Steve Cook recalls the moment he arrived at Denpasar Airport and performed combat surgery for limb-saving surgery.
Australia currently has 10 Spartans operated by No. 35 Squadron from RAAF Base Amberley, which now focus on peacetime operations such as search and rescue and aeromedical operations.