Lockheed Martin Australia has marked the start of construction on an $85.9 million Air Power Precinct at Williamtown, NSW, with a sod-turning ceremony attended by Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy.
The purpose-built National Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Ecosystem will support next-generation air and missile defence systems and provide critical sustainment capabilities for Australia's F-35 fleet, including support for other regional F-35 operators across the Indo-Pacific.
Australian-owned contractor Built will commence construction immediately, with the precinct due to be operational by 2028.
The facility will house dedicated zones for hardware assembly and installation, integration and validation, end-to-end system-of-systems testing, sovereign software sustainment, and advanced IAMD training, including for Australia's Joint Air Battle Management System.
A key feature of the precinct is a dedicated canopy repair capability, which will reduce Australia's reliance on overseas assistance and enhance RAAF operational resilience. The facility will also provide program management support to Lockheed Martin Australia's F-35 sustainment team, described as the company's largest international F-35 sustainment operation.
Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Jeremy King said the investment reflected the company's commitment to building sovereign defence capability from the ground up.
"This investment demonstrates our enduring commitment to Australia's military readiness and sovereignty," he said. "By building a secure, world-class Air Power Precinct we enhance coalition interoperability and safeguard our nation's way of life through self-reliance and advanced technology."
The precinct is expected to generate more than 200 jobs during construction, create over 60 new aerospace roles, and sustain more than 230 ongoing engineering and technical positions once operational. Local suppliers and small-to-medium enterprises will also have opportunities to participate in the defence supply chain.
Lockheed Martin Australia employs more than 1,900 people nationally across aerospace, defence and civil programs.