First Australian-made vertical tails fitted onto F-35

FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Australian-made vertical tails for F-35 Lightning II fighters have for the first time been installed on an aircraft by Lockheed Martin.

Marand, an Australian engineering firm sub-contracted by BAE Systems for 722 tail sets, said the installation was conducted at Lockheed's manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas.

"We are proud of this incredible milestone for our team and for the work our company has done to establish a unique capability in the field of aerostructures manufacturing," said Marand Chief Executive Officer Rohan Stocker. "The Marand team has risen to the challenge of doing incredible work thanks to the support from BAE Systems.

"Our work not only serves the Australian Defense industry, but also creates high technology Australian jobs."

Marand, based in Melbourne, is one of 30 Australian companies that have received a total of $412 million in contracts for work on the F-35 program.

In addition to the vertical tails for the F-35. Marand produces an engine removal and installation trailer for F-35 engines.

Australia has committed to procuring 72 of the Lockheed Martin fighters for its military forces.