Raytheon Australia will partner with the Commonwealth to develop the Test Range System within the Woomera Prohibited Area of South Australia.
The $297 million contract seeks to revamp Woomera as the world's most advanced military test range.
The upgraded area, which will see Raytheon double its current Adelaide workforce of 370, will be used to test the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's performance and will be also available for use by US and other allies for various weapons systems and rocket test programs.
“This is an investment in a home grown sovereign capability as well as in the safety and security of our nation”, Ward said.
As a result, the new Adelaide naval and Integration Office opened today by the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will be home to a new Test and Training Range Systems Integration laboratory. Adelaide will also be home to the second Raytheon Australian Submarine Industry Incubator, complementing the existing Incubator in Sydney and giving local businesses the opportunity to engage in combat system integration work for Australia’s Submarines.
Ward said that Adelaide is now the headquarters of Raytheon Australia’s Naval and Integration workforce.
“For more than a decade, Raytheon Australia has had a strong presence in Adelaide. Today’s opening of our newest office – and our ambition to more than double our South Australian workforce within three years – confirms our commitment to Adelaide."
Adelaide will be the focus of Raytheon Australia’s efforts related to the Future Submarine project should the company be selected as Combat System Integrator. Raytheon Australia’s plan for the project, drawing on our ready now workforce, is for sustainable, long term, highly skilled work in Australia for Australians. From day one the company will use Australians, not a fly in, fly out workforce from another country. The company will also draw upon its established relationships with 500 Australian small to medium enterprises.
Michael Ward said that the Incubator further demonstrates the company’s commitment to assisting innovative Australian businesses in playing an active role in Australia’s submarine combat systems.
“This is about real submarine work for Australians. The Incubator aims to create new and sustainable submarine combat systems work right here in this country”, Mr Ward said.