Numerous New Defence Industry Opportunities

LATEST AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS NEWS

Australia has decided to enter the next phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, opening up substantial new opportunities for Australian industry. The government today said Australia will enter negotiations with the United States and seven other nations as part of the next phase of the US$200 billion JSF program.

Australia's involvement in the first phase of the JSF project has led to considerable opportunities for Australian industry to compete for work on this large global defence project. This has opened the door for Australian industry to now bid for the larger more lucrative contracts that make up the next phase of the JSF program.

The Australian Defence Minister said negotiations were expected to lead to a cooperative agreement in late 2006 with the Government to make a decision on aircraft purchases in 2008. If approved, the project will replace Australia's F-111 and F/A-18 aircraft with the next generation JSF.

Current analysis suggests that the proposal for up to 100 Conventional Take-Off and Landing JSF aircraft, and associated support elements, remain within the original cost estimates.

The Government is committed to Australian industry participation in the JSF program. To date, 18 Australian companies have won contracts or commitments of work in the existing System Development and Demonstration phase.

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David

editor@agarcarlyon.com