Australia's $65 billion Joint Strike Fighter program has been given a lift with Williamtown to be a regional hub for maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the RAAF's F-35A Lightning II fleet based near Newcastle was now 33 strong and ready to deploy on operations. As well as servicing RAAF aircraft, BAE Systems Australia's Williamtown maintenance depot will host aircraft from Japan, Korea and Singapore.
"This is about protecting and securing Australia's interests but it's also creating jobs and driving investment right here in the Hunter and across the country too," Mr Morrison said.
"This induction demonstrates the world-leading capability of our local defence industry here in Australia."
More than 50 companies will share in $2.7 billion worth of contracts as part of the F-35 program....MORE
