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Victorian Minister Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula is kicking off the countdown to the 2019 Avalon Airshow as Victoria’s defence industry builds on success with the F-35 program.
Minister Pakula visited Marand to meet workers manufacturing critical components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which will take to the skies at this year’s airshow.
Marand is one of a number of Victorian companies supplying the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter project and has the largest value of work of any Australian supplier.
The Moorabbin-based business is manufacturing the vertical tails for the Australian aircraft, as well as for several program partner nations, and is also manufacturing the engine trailer for the F-35 fleet of aircraft.
Minister Pakula said, "The Australian International Airshow at Avalon is one of the premier events on our major events calendar and an incredible opportunity for Victorian businesses to showcase their skills and capabilities to the world."
Victoria’s defence sector is an important part of the state’s economy, contributing up to $8 billion annually. The sector employs more than 20,000 people and has more than 400 businesses making equipment and providing services for defence activities.
To support this growing industry, the Victorian government has launched a campaign to profile the skills and capabilities of Victoria’s defence industry to help secure more supply chain opportunities for Victorian businesses.
"Victoria’s aerospace and defence sectors are world class and it’s great to see Victorian companies like Marand recognised by winning a contract to supply to a massive international defence program," Minister Pakula added.
Victorian businesses are already making a significant contribution to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter project, with 65 per cent of the Australian content being sourced from Victorian defence suppliers.
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is the world’s most advanced military aircraft and will perform high energy, simulated combat manoeuvres at the Australian International Airshow, alongside jet fighters, strike bombers, heavy lift leviathans and attack helicopters, as well as historic aircraft and aerobatic displays.
The accompanying Aerospace & Defence Exposition is an opportunity for Victoria’s aerospace and defence sectors to showcase their capabilities to potential investors and customers across the globe. The Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition will be held at Avalon Airport from 26 February – 3 March 2019. More information is available here.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
