Shortland MP and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy calls it “a vote of confidence in the Hunter region”.
The Australian Government will announce, on Tuesday 15 August, its intention to build a coating facility at Newcastle Airport to maintain the stealth of Australia’s fleet of F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
The new $100 million facility is set to be established in partnership with BAE Systems Australia.
The Williamtown company currently oversees the maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade activities for the F-35As.
But, as Australia’s first dedicated stealth coating facility, special state-of-the-art paint will be applied to the aircraft to help maintain their covert characteristics to ensure they are hard to see on an adversary’s radar.
“This work is essential for our nation’s air combat capability,” Mr Conroy said.
“Plus, it will create up to 25 jobs, adding to the team of about 360 workers who already sustain the F-35As at Newcastle Airport.
“The design for the coating facility is due to be finalised by the end of this year, with construction to start in mid-2024.
“That phase alone provides more than 100 jobs.
“So, it means these world-class aircraft will operate and be sustained from Newcastle Airport for decades to come.”
To date, only Australian F-35As have undergone maintenance by BAE at Newcastle Airport.
The coating facility will support the upkeep of other F-35 fleets operating in the Indo-Pacific, transforming the Williamtown address into a regional hub.
“Without it, the aircraft would need to return to the United States to maintain their coating,” Mr Conroy said.
“The sustainment and upgrades at Newcastle over the next 30 years will support up to 750 direct and indirect jobs across Australia.
“So far, more than 70 Australian companies have had contracts contributing to the F-35 program.
“In addition to BAE Systems Australia, others from the Hunter include Nupress Group and Varley Group.
“The community can be proud of playing a vital role in sustaining this critical defence capability not only for Australia, but also for the region.
“The industry is already making a significant contribution to the F-35 program and this will continue to grow in the years ahead.”
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