As previously reported, Israel has made the decision to buy the JSF and take part where possible in the industry participation program, despite not being a partner nation.
When the matter was raised with Lockheed Martin, the following statement was forthcoming.
“Israel’s industrial participation in the F-35 program is best-value based, with no offset arrangements, and will have no effect on the F-35 partner nations’ industrial plans,” according to a Lockheed Martin spokesperson.
“Israeli companies will compete based on cost, schedule and quality for F-35 work.
“Israel’s industrial participation agreement with LM is based on the Congressionally approved buy of up to 75 aircraft, not only the initial acquisition.”
There was also feedback from industry who pointed out that Australian work thus far on the JSF was complex and valued at more than the stated $189 million.
With this mind, here is a list of Australian companies and their JSF contributions.
• Airframe and system component machining – Levett Engineering, Lovitt Technologies, Ferra Engineering and Production Parts
• Airframe design and stress analysis – GKN and Vipac (Moog)
• RF and EW components – Cablex, BAE Systems, Micreo, Partech Systems and CSC
• ITC design – Thales
• JSF studies – Calytrix, BAE Systems and Marand
• Voice recognition software – Adacel
• Weapons adaptors – Ferra Engineering
• Composite tooling – Marand
• Training courseware design – KBR (Catalyst Interactive)
• Engine removal/installation trailer – Marand
• General procurement – Trimcast
• Handling fixtures – Varley
• Engine component machining – Production Parts
• Actuators – Goodrich Control System (including Rosebank Engineering, Levett Engineering, Heat Treatment Australia, and Production Parts)
• Countermeasures – Chemring Australia
Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems Australia also signed an MOU for support services in country earlier this year.