BAE Systems Australia has won a nine-month contract to develop operational models for the integration of the Lockheed Martin F-35 into the Australian defence environment.

The company will work with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to create a model that covers all aspects of the F-35 sustainment, including maintenance, supply, training and fleet asset management.

"This contract will play a critical role in ensuring that [the Department of] Defence, industry and our ADF men and women are ready and prepared for a smooth transition when the Joint Strike Fighter comes into service," says John Managhan, director aerospace at BAE Systems Australia. "Our team will work to define the processes and information that will be required to ensure that the aircraft achieves its maximum operational effectiveness in any deployed environment."

An industrial partner in the F-35 programme, Australia could obtain up to 100 examples of the type.

Source: Flight International