The F-35 Off Board Information Systems Centre (OBISC) at RAAF Williamtown was opened yesterday by Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne.

Vital to the effective introduction of the F-35s and future sustainment efforts is the Autonomic Logistic Information System (ALIS); the OBISC will be home to the imminent risk mitigation activities that have been planned to test the system and its integration into the Defence information environment. Earlier this year, the first issue of the ALIS standard operating unit was delivered and installed in the new building.

The OBISC is the first work to be completed in a series now underway at Williamtown to support the F-35A capability

“The ALIS is the logistical nerve-centre for the Joint Strike Fighter. It is used to support mission planning, manage air and ground crew training, manage day to day maintenance activities and to provide logistical support to the aircraft and associated systems,” Minister Pyne said.

In January, when ALIS achieved its first cyber security accreditation from the RAAF and the Defence Chief Information Officer Group (CIOG), JSF Division head Air Vice Marshal Leigh Gordon said the value of the OBISC would continue to increase as more novel ways were identified on how to use it.

“The OBISC provides Australia with an environment in which we can simulate the F-35 information system to test its true capability, much like an aircraft simulator; its benefits have been equally recognised by international F-35 Partners, many of whom have expressed an interest in using or developing a similar capability.”

The OBISC is the first work to be completed in a series now underway at Williamtown to support the F-35A capability. These include runway extensions, base electrical, sewage, fire and storm-water management infrastructure, F-35A squadron headquarters, training and maintenance facilities. Minister Pyne confirmed all works are on track for completion by mid-2021.

The New Air Combat Capability project at Williamtown was approved by Government in April 2014 and is part of a $1.477 billion capability project undertaken by Defence across RAAF Bases Williamtown and Tindal as well as forward operating bases. Construction commenced in November 2014.