BAE Systems Australia chose Williamtown as the base for its operational maintenance and air combat sustainment program for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) F-35 and Hawk Mk127 fleets.
The regional NSW location was chosen by the international defence company due to its proximity to a skilled workforce and defence operations. More than 400 employees work on the RAAF’s F-35 and Hawk Mk127 aircraft at Williamtown.
The program of nationally significant work will create about 360 new direct jobs for BAE Systems Australia over the next 10 years, develop a specialist supply chain of around 76 SMEs and contribute $70 million to GDP by 2025. Already, the program is indirectly supporting more than 1,600 businesses in Australia, including about 180 in the Hunter region.
Andrew Chapman, Director Aerospace at BAE Systems Australia says:
“BAE Systems Australia has a strong team in the Hunter region who are committed to growing a thriving local economy and investing back into the region. Williamtown has proved a great location for our aircraft sustainment operations. The region offers a large skilled workforce to support vital defence projects and receives strong support from the NSW Government, which is committed to effective regional economic development."