Australia banners industry work on F-35

CANBERRA, Australia, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- BAE Systems Australia's contract to supply circuit boards and sub-system assemblies for F-35 jets is being touted by the Australian government.

The government's Minister for Defense Materiel and Science, Mal Brough, called the company's long-term $15 million deal with Northrop Grumman a milestone for Australian industry.

"I congratulate BAE Systems Australia on achieving this milestone and their commitment to gaining qualification with Northrop Grumman for the Joint Strike Fighter program," he said.

"Already, Australian companies have secured more than AUD$500 million [about $361.8 million] of work, with Defense estimating that Australian industry will win at least US$1.5 billion worth of work in the production phase of the Joint Strike Fighter program."

The contract won by NAE Systems Australia is for parylene-coated circuit boards for the F-35's communication, navigation and identification system.

Australia, which is procuring the F-35 Lightning II, has more than 30 companies producing components for the Lockheed Martin fighter.

The minister's remarks were published by Australia's Department of Defense.