Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews has formally opened Lockheed Martin Australia’s new facilities at the Williamtown Aerospace Centre in Newcastle.

The company stated that the new facilities provide a consolidated centre for Lockheed Martin operations in the Hunter region, with space to expand to accommodate up to 70 engineering and IT specialists supporting Royal Australian Air Force surveillance programs such as the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) and Tactical Air Defence Radar System (TADRS).

“This facility is part of our long-term commitment to grow our presence in Australia and create opportunities for highly skilled local jobs,” stated Lockheed Martin Australia & New Zealand chief executive Raydon Gates. “We are proud of our team and our innovative technologies that play such an important role in helping to ensure the security of Australian interests.”

Lockheed Martin has had a presence in the Hunter region since 2006.

“We have grown steadily over the past nine years,” Gates said. “This new facility provides us with an opportunity to significantly increase our footprint and expand the number of programs we are able to support.”

Lockheed Martin employs more than 1,000 people in Australia, including 25 in Newcastle.