BAE Systems Australia expands with aircraft coating facility in Williamtown.

The Commonwealth of Australia and BAE Systems Australia have jointly announced the establishment of a new Aircraft Coating Facility at BAE Systems' Williamtown Aerospace Precinct, situated to the north of Newcastle. This initiative is part of a broader expansion effort aimed at accommodating future sustainment needs for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) fleet of F-35 aircraft.

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In response to the growing F-35 fleet, BAE Systems is expanding its operations at Williamtown, which is adjacent to the RAAF Base Williamtown, the home of the F-35 fleet (Picture source: BAE Systems)

Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, made this significant announcement during a visit to the BAE Systems Williamtown facility. During his visit, he had the opportunity to engage with employees involved in both the F-35 and Hawk Lead-In Fighter sustainment programs.

The F-35 represents the world's largest defense program, featuring a fifth-generation stealthy, multi-role attack aircraft capable of operating from both land and sea, serving nations worldwide. Presently, there are 63 F-35A aircraft within the RAAF fleet, with plans to reach a total of 72 in the program.

BAE Systems collaborates with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman in the manufacturing, integration, and sustainment of the F-35. Beyond its role in supporting operational-level maintenance for the RAAF, the company also engages in the maintenance, warehousing, and repair of components for the Asia Pacific fleet of F-35s.

In response to the growing F-35 fleet, BAE Systems is expanding its operations at Williamtown, which is adjacent to the RAAF Base Williamtown, the home of the F-35 fleet. This expansion caters to the increasing demand as the fleet approaches the target of 72 aircraft, and it also includes provisions for international F-35 fleet partners. This expansion project involves significant capital investments, with a three-stage approach planned across the Williamtown precinct, scheduled for completion in 2026.

Key additions to the site already in place include new maintenance bays and the Asia Pacific Regional Warehouse, both funded by the Commonwealth. Thirteen additional bays and the newly established Aircraft Coating Facility will further enhance the capabilities of the site.

By the year 2025, BAE Systems is projected to employ over 350 individuals directly, contributing to a total workforce of approximately 750 people, all dedicated to supporting F-35 sustainment activities within Australia. Over $3.7 billion in global F-35 production and sustainment contracts have already benefited more than 70 Australian companies.

Andrew Gresham, Managing Director of Defence Delivery at BAE Systems Australia, expressed the significance of this expansion in the Williamtown aerospace precinct, highlighting its pivotal role in the Hunter region's development. He emphasized the collaboration with the Commonwealth to expand capabilities for F-35 fleet support as a crucial growth engine that will provide employment opportunities for the region for decades to come.

In Australia, BAE Systems plays a vital role in the global sustainment of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft, recognized as the world's most advanced fighter jet. Through a partnership with Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems contributes to the sustainment of the RAAF's F-35 fighter jet fleet. As a key partner in F-35 sustainment, the company collaborates closely with Lockheed Martin to deliver approximately 15% of each aircraft (excluding propulsion), playing a significant role in the development, production, and sustainment of these jets. The F-35 fleet undergoes maintenance and upgrades at BAE Systems' South Pacific Regional Sustainment Depot located in Williamtown, near Newcastle, New South Wales.

Moreover, BAE Systems plays a substantial role in the global F-35 sustainment program through an Asia-Pacific warehouse designed to support up to 300 F-35s across the region. This warehouse is tasked with maintaining crucial aircraft components until at least the year 2050. Furthermore, the company manufactures the aft fuselage as well as the vertical and horizontal stabilizers for every F-35 produced at one of its sites in Adelaide.