Page 16 - Australian Defence Magazine Feb-Mar 2023

16 NEWS REVIEW INDUSTRY UPDATE
FEBRUARY-MARCH 2023 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
AUSTRALIA PURCHASES HIMARS
THE Australian Government has an- nounced the purchase of 20 Lockheed Martin High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and associated hard- ware, for an estimated cost of US$385 million (A$558 million).
Defence announced the acquisition of the land-based, long-range, surface-to- surface High Mobility Artillery Rocket System on 5 January, which includes launchers, missiles and training rockets.
HIMARS is a highly mobile, combat- proven system that fires precision muni- tions ranging from 70 to 300 kilometres. Transportable by C-130 and C-17 aircraft, it is rapidly deployable and interoperable with partner nations.
“Lockheed Martin has been the leading designer and manufacturer of long-range, surface-to-surface precision strike solu- tions for more than 40 years. The Lock- heed Martin developed HIMARS will provide Defence with unmatched mobile land-based firepower,” Warren McDon- ald, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand said.
“HIMARS employs a ‘shoot and scoot’ ca- pability which enhances crew and platform survivability in high threat environments,”
RIGHT: The first deliveries of HIMARS units are expected by 2025
James Heading, Director of Programs, Stra- tegic Capabilities Office at Lockheed Mar- tin Australia’s Missiles and Fire Control added. “HIMARS can emplace, fire and relocate, and conduct reload in a matter of minutes, dramatically reducing an adver- sary’s ability to locate and target it.
“HIMARS enables a generational leap in capability for Australia, taking Defence from cannon artillery to Long-Range Pre- cision Fires that provide a 24/7 persistent, all-weather capability.
“It offers the ADF the ability to use and share common munitions and to integrate into a coalition effort.”
LOCKHEED MARTIN
THE Government of Canada announced it is procuring F-35 Lightning II aircraft as a result of the Future Fighter Capability Project competition.
The Royal Canadian Air Force will re- ceive 88 F-35A multirole stealth fighters, a sustainment solution tailored to Cana- da’s requirements and a comprehensive training program.
“Canada is our friend and a close ally. Their decision to procure almost 90 jets underscores the value of the incredible F-35 Lightning II,” US Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, Program Executive Offi- cer, F-35 Joint Program Office said.
“The F-35 is the best in the world, provid- ing unmatched interoperability to Ameri- ca, Canada and the additional 15 nations
that have selected the fighter. It is a global game-changer. Through pow- er-projection, the F-35 is at the tip of the spear for deterrence. Its forward presence will continue to ensure that potential adversaries choose diplo- macy over armed conflict.”
LEFT: An Australian F-35 off the coast near Newcastle
The estimated investment for the proj- ect is C$19 billion ($20.54 billion), which includes associated equipment, sustain- ment set-up and services, as well as the construction of Fighter Squadron Facili- ties in Bagotville and Cold Lake.
The first deliveries of these aircraft are an- ticipated to begin in 2026, with Full Opera- tional Capability of the entire fleet expected to be reached between 2032 and 2034.
“We are honoured the Government of Canada has selected the F-35, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian defence industry to deliver and sustain the aircraft,” said Bridget Lau- derdale, Lockheed Martin’s vice president and general manager of the F-35 program. “The selection of F-35 strengthens allied airpower in Canada, North America and around the world.”
Lockheed Martin Australia says it is now looking at options to provide ongoing support, maintenance and sustainment of HIMARS and related equipment in Aus- tralia.
“Providing Defence with technical and logistical support, and sustainment services, offers opportunities for Aus- tralian small to medium enterprises and provides local employment opportuni- ties and benefits to the economy,” Head- ing said.
The first deliveries of the HIMARS units are expected by 2025, and will be in use by 2026-27.
CANADA FINALISES DEAL FOR F-35S
DEFENCE