WILLIAMTOWN— Lockheed Martin Australia has begun construction of a new AUD 85.9 million Air Power Precinct in the Hunter region, marking a major investment in Australia’s future air and missile defence capabilities.
The project was officially launched during a sod-turning ceremony attended by Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy and senior company executives.
The new facility will strengthen long-term support for Australia’s fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jets while expanding sovereign defence capabilities.
Located near Newcastle Airport (NTL), the precinct will also enhance sustainment services for regional F-35 operators and reinforce Australia’s growing role within the Indo-Pacific defence network.
Air Power Hub Strengthens Defence Capability
Construction will begin immediately, with Australian contractor Built leading the project. Lockheed Martin Australia expects the Air Power Precinct to become fully operational by 2028, creating an advanced centre for integrated air and missile defence technologies.
The purpose-built complex will support Australia’s National Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Ecosystem, providing dedicated facilities for hardware assembly, system integration, validation, end-to-end testing, software sustainment, and specialist workforce training.
The precinct will also support Australia’s Joint Air Battle Management System, a cornerstone of the country’s broader AIR6500 defence program designed to improve command-and-control capabilities against evolving airborne threats.
F-35 Support Builds Local Aerospace Expertise
A significant part of the investment focuses on sustaining Australia’s F-35 fleet. The facility will provide program management support for Lockheed Martin Australia’s F-35 sustainment operations, which represent the company’s largest international F-35 support program.
One of the precinct’s most important capabilities will be a dedicated aircraft canopy repair facility.
The advanced diagnostic, testing, and repair infrastructure will reduce Australia’s reliance on overseas maintenance providers while improving operational readiness for the Royal Australian Air Force.
The new capability will also strengthen regional sustainment arrangements for other Indo-Pacific F-35 operators, helping improve aircraft availability across the global F-35 supply chain.
Jobs And Economic Growth
Lockheed Martin Australia says the project will deliver substantial economic benefits to the Hunter region alongside its military objectives.
More than 200 jobs will be created during construction, while the completed facility will add over 60 new aerospace positions and support more than 230 ongoing engineering and technical roles, Asia Pacific Defence Reporter reported.
The company also expects the precinct to generate new opportunities for local suppliers and small-to-medium enterprises participating in Australia’s defence supply chain.
Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Jeremy King said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence industry.
He noted that the new precinct will enhance military readiness, improve coalition interoperability, expand local industrial capability, and position the Hunter region as a strategic hub for integrated air and missile defence and F-35 sustainment across the Indo-Pacific.
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