Image credit: ruag.com.au
Last week, we reported that Australia has been chosen to serve as the repair and maintenance hub for the F-35 Lightning aircraft in the Pacific region.
Image credit: ruag.com.au
In what was described as “a major coup for the national Defence Industry”, Australia has won 10 of the initial 11 component categories available to partner countries for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter regional sustainment.
Local defence contractors GE Aviation Systems Australia, Northrop Grumman Australia and BAE Systems Australia, have all secured a piece of the action, while RUAG Australia, starting from 2025, will have lead responsibility within the Pacific Region for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of Joint Strike Fighter components in four Repair Technology Groups – Valves (RTG F), Auxiliary Power Systems (RTG G), Landing Gear Components (RTG L) and Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Pneudraulics & Hydro-Mechanical (RTG H).
John Teager, Managing Director of RUAG Australia said the assigned work is consistent with RUAG Australia’s core capabilities.
“This assignment is a genuine reflection of the quality and skill of our people and the treasured reputation for reliable service that they have developed over many years of serving the military customer,” Mr Teager said.
He said the company was looking forward to collaborating with its chosen partners to deliver the best possible Australian contribution to the Joint Strike Fighter program, both in terms of manufacturing and deeper level repair.
“The Joint Strike Fighter will be the cornerstone of the Royal Australian Air Force, and a number of other air forces, for many years to come. RUAG Australia is committed to being a successful and valued member of the global team supporting the platform,” he added.
RUAG Australia – the Australian arm of the Swiss based RUAG Group and a core element of RUAG Aviation International – has been manufacturing major hydraulic components for the aircraft continually since the system design and development phase in 2003.
Headquartered in Melbourne, the company operates from five locations across Australia – two in Victoria, one in South Australia and on-base at RAAF Amberley and RAAF Williamtown.
