Defence industry representatives from the Hunter region received an update on the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Program at the recent Hunter Defence Conference.
Visiting United States F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) Director of Logistics and Sustainment, Mr Todd Mellon gave an update on how the Program is maturing and stabilising in terms of production of aircraft.
“We have 1200 suppliers contributing to the F-35 production worldwide with global production facilities in the United States and final check out assemblies in Italy and Japan – it does not get more complex than this,” (non sequitur EP) said Mr Mellon.
“We are at the point of ramping up production from low rate initial production cycles to much higher rates of production resulting in reduced production costs and a more stabilised Program.
“We continue to work hard to reduce costs and supplier performance is key to achieving cost targets – and this will continue in the sustainment phase.
“The result needs to be an affordable global support network for all F-35s,” said Mr Mellon. (no shit. EP)
A panel of representatives from US F-35 JPO, Australian JSF Division, JSF Prime contractors and Australian Defence Industry discussed with conference attendees the potential opportunities and challenges ahead for JSF industry involvement.
Australian JSF Division Director of Strategy and Industry, Ms Alison Petchell said that there is plenty of potential for Australian industries as part of the JSF sustainment supply chain but it will require planning, coordination and commitment.
“The knowledge we have gained through the design and production phases of JSF will be valuable for companies who want to compete for JSF work as part of their business going forward,” said Ms Petchell.
“Companies need to be licensed to exchange technical data, qualified for JSF supply chain activities, and be able to continuously demonstrate best value in the global supply chain.
“The role of the JSF Industry Team is to promote Australian industry indigenous skills and capacity to the JSF JPO and encourage consideration of Australian business participation in the program. (the 'goal' is to bleed the hapless taxpayer; dud product or no. EP)
“Our primary goal is to harness a strong industry base that supports the JSF capability and provides Australia with a long term economic benefit.
“So we can position Australia for the best possible participation outcomes as part of a global sustainment supply chain, Defence and Australian industries will need to engage with each other in a truly collaborative and innovative way,” said Ms Petchell. (this was basically stated in 2002. You mean it hasn't happened yet? EP)
Ms Petchell said that Australian industry has already established itself as a reliable, innovative and value for money provider and has so far won production and development orders worth around US$433 million, with further opportunities anticipated for Australian industry to provide regional and global support for F 35 systems and components, and in the longer term, follow on development.(Wow. A whole $433M. How much have we wasted thus far? Loss-leader. EP)
All that to watch a RAAF squadron go into combat...and never return.
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JSF Alternate Realities: …and from whence they come
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