On 31 Oct 2002, Australia joined the Systems Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase of the US led international Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program.

The Australian Government wants to maximise the opportunity for Australian industry to participate in this international program. Firms with capabilities relevant to the JSF program are invited to register their interest for possible future participation.

Developing key JSF systems - Systems Development and Demonstration Phase
The SDD phase of the JSF program lasts about ten years and includes the need for 'best value' capabilities, sourced from JSF partner countries, in the areas of Mission Systems, Vehicle Systems, Airframes, Autonomic Logistics Systems, and Propulsion Systems.

Further opportunities are anticipated to arise through the Low Rate Initial Production, full production and through-life support phases of the JSF program.

How to register
Register your interest by providing a one-page overview of your firm. The overview should address:

• Company contact details, including CEO, managing director
• Company description, including years in business and annual turnover
• Capabilities applicable to the JSF program and / or key JSF systems
• How many employees of what disciplines are in the company
• Indication of existing links to Lockheed Martin, its JSF partners or contractors
• Where applicable, details of countries where you have overseas offices or branches

Note: Companies that have previously registered need not re-register, unless their information requires updating.

Email your one-page overview to jsf@defence.gov.au

What happens next?
Held as commercial-in-confidence within Defence and DITR, details of registered firms will be passed to the relevant Industry Capability Team for consideration of membership. Companies will then be assessed for further attention by Lockheed Martin or its partners (Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems, along with the engine manufacturers, General Electric and Pratt & Whitney). Assessment is expected to be progressive depending on the stage of the JSF SDD program at which different capabilities are needed, and thus will take some time to complete.

Not all registrants will ultimately be successful, and the Australian Government will not be involved in the final selection of companies. However, the Department of Defence and the Department of Industry Tourism & Resources will work with Lockheed Martin, its partners and their contractors to facilitate opportunities for Australian industry access. This will include opportunities for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through teaming arrangements and other initiatives.

Further questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Mr Karim Gannash (Department of Defence) on (02) 6265 7741.