News

Jul 03, 2023

Lockheed Martin chooses Victoria for proposed space engineering hub

Lockheed Martin Australia, one of the five bidders for Australia’s sovereign

Lockheed Martin Australia, one of the five bidders for Australia's sovereign Defence Satellite Communication System, has announced it’ll set up a space engineering and technical hub in Victoria if it wins the bid.

The Defence Department's JP9102 tender is the country's first major space program designed for the Australian Defence Force.

Announcing its proposal at the Avalon 2023 International Airshow, Lockheed said the hub would create around 200 space industry jobs in Victoria.

Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defence company, already has a 200-strong presence in Victoria, including a research and development facility, STELaRLab, which is partnering with universities to develop world-leading technologies in critical areas like space-based image exploitation and space domain awareness.

As part of its proposal, Lockheed would contribute to Victoria's infrastructure and programs to support the delivery of the military satellite communication system.

"As a global industry leader in space, we share the Victorian Government's vision for a vibrant, dynamic space sector and welcome the opportunity to work together for its realisation," said Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive Warren McDonald.

"The proposed investments in infrastructure, skilled jobs and STEM initiatives are designed to contribute significantly to ensuring Victoria's space economy grows sustainably for decades to come."

IMAGE: Warren McDonald, Lockheed Martin Australia's Chief Executive, Gavin New, Ronson Gears’ Managing Director, and David Ball, Lockheed Martin Australia's Regional Director for Space

Landmark local agreement

Lockheed also announced its first-ever international long-term agreement with Victorian manufacturer, Ronson Gears. The company will supply multiple gear and gear sets across various space programs.

Warren McDonald congratulated Ronson Gears on securing the landmark agreement.

"Ronson Gears is an example of the outstanding Australian industrial capability available to our nation and the global space industry," he said. Victoria has a relatively large space sector economy, generating around $400 million each year, and employing around 2,300 people in 250 businesses.

"This project will ensure Victoria cements its position as a global leader in the space and defence sectors."

"We’re ready to take advantage of new investment in space thanks to our highly skilled workforce, connected supply chains, engineering expertise and world-class research institutions, " said Minister for Industry and Innovation and Manufacturing Sovereignty Ben Carroll.