Boeing Defence Australia to lead new manufacturing network

Defence is investing $34 million in the Advanced Defence Aerospace Manufacturing Network, led by Boeing Defence Australia, to develop new technology and components for military aircraft. The funds are coming from the Collaboration Stream of the Australian Department of Industry Science Energy and Resources (DISER) Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI).

The Defence investment will leverage further investment amounting to a total of $103 million, creating up to 400 new jobs in Brisbane and Melbourne. Boeing will collaborate with project partners Ferra Engineering, Helimods, Naeco, RUAG Australia, Cablex, AME Systems and JRS Manufacturing Group.

The Network will connect Australian SMEs to deliver the sovereign capability to manufacture, export and support complete crewed and un-crewed military aircraft at scale. By 2024, according to estimates, the Network could support 1,500 jobs.

This project will allow these SMEs to participate in global supply chains and create an aerospace system manufacturers network, helping them accelerate and maximise exports and establish sovereign capabilities to manufacture, test and deliver aircraft in Australia. The project will establish new facilities, including cyber security upgrades for each project partner, the procurement and commission of capital equipment needed to support the volume of manufacturing, as well as introducing advanced technologies and new capabilities with partners.

“We make things in Australia and under our Government’s economic plan, we are backing our manufacturing sector to create jobs and grow the economy,” said Prime Minister Scott Morrison. “Under our Modern Manufacturing Strategy we are investing more than $2.5 billion to grow key capabilities and support jobs. By partnering with the private sector we are leveraging billions more in additional investment.

Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the investment would deliver greater sovereign defence capability.

“This investment will allow us to build our home-grown defence capabilities so that we can be more resilient, self-reliant and a better ally and partner,” he said. “In Queensland, that means jobs and long-term career opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, research and much more.

“This is another example of the Morrison Government working with our industry partners to not only enhance our future capabilities and create long-term career opportunities, but also establish potential future export opportunities to support our allies and partners.”

 Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the project was yet another example of the Government’s determination to ensure Australian industry can build at home what the Australian Defence Force needs to defend the nation.

“We know that it is more important than ever to strategically invest in our defence manufacturing industry, to ensure we can deliver the necessary capability for our defence force to keep our nation safe,” she said. “Australia already has incredible existing strengths in Defence manufacturing and this Boeing project will help the sector reach new heights.”