• System administration (across server, database and network);
• Logistics;
• Quality assurance;
• Configuration management;
• Test engineers;
• Courseware development;
• Simulation technicians;
• Maintenance instructors;
• Instructor pilots;
• ALIS instructors;
• Operation support;
• Field service engineering; and
• International trade compliance.

The F-35 project has been a lucrative venture for Australian industry, with more than $800 million in contracts from F-35 design and production work achieved so far.

Currently, Victoria is leading the way with a total of six companies contributing to the F-35 project – Marand, Lovitt, Cablex, AW Bell, RUAG and BAE Systems Australia, which has offices in both Victoria and SA.

Further opportunities for Australian industry to participate in the F-35 Program through regional assignments for the repair of the second tranche of aircraft components are expected to be announced this year.

In 2017, BAE Systems Australia was assigned the role of prime for the F-35 regional warehouse for the Asia-Pacific region. The new assignment, located at Williamtown, has an estimated value of $300 million in operations and infrastructure over the life of the F-35 program and is expected to create 10-15 jobs in Newcastle.

Australia is set to take delivery of its F-35 full mission simulator this year, after the first simulator systems were recently delivered to the Israeli, Italian, Japanese and Norwegian air forces.

The RAAF is looking to achieve initial operating capability in December 2020, with 12 aircraft in three squadrons at RAAF Williamtown plus six in a training squadron.

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Full operating capability for the 72 aircraft Australia has ordered is planned for the end of 2023.