Williamtown set to benefit from $74 million Lockheed Martin Australia proposal

Lockheed Martin Australia’s $74 million investment in a national Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) ecosystem has been earmarked for development within the Williamtown Special Activation Precinct (SAP).

The fully inclusive facility, designed to support Australia’s sovereign capability and future defence projects, aims to foster technological collaboration by LMA’s existing supply chain and by new technology partners.

Newcastle Airport CEO Dr Peter Cock welcomed the news: “We’re incredibly excited by Lockheed Martin Australia’s announcement, and we’re wholly supportive of their proposal,” he said.

“Newcastle Airport is committed to being the airport the region deserves. The establishment of the newest Lockheed Martin Australia facility will not only play an important role in our region’s growth, but also enable the airport to continue to deliver on its promise to the community with the continued growth of Astra Aerolab, our 116Ha aerospace and defence focussed development.

“The news is testament to the long-standing and collaborative efforts of Newcastle Airport and the Greater Hunter business community in supporting defence industry prime contractors in their submissions and proposals to the Australian Defence Force (ADF),” Dr Cock added.

Williamtown and the Greater Hunter Region is home to a strong and growing defence industry ecosystem, and Astra Aerolab, located in the heart of the SAP, is being purpose-built to meet the specialised requirements of the defence industry and their people, he said.

“The proposed location of the facility will further establish Astra Aerolab and Williamtown as the State’s premier location for defence, aerospace and innovation. We look forward to engaging with Lockheed Martin Australia to help bring this project to fruition, and working together with them to help grow capabilities that will benefit our region for years to come.”