AIR6500

The nature of conflict is becoming increasingly complex. Threats to Australia’s national security come from: air, space, sea, land, and the cyber spectrum as outlined in the Australian 2020 Defence Strategic Update.

Australia’s response to current and emerging threats requires the modernisation and closer integration of Australian Defence Force (ADF) capabilities and embodying the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) vision to transform the Air Force into a fifth-gen-enabled force. The apex of this modernisation will be a next-generation joint air battle management system: Project AIR6500.

Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) has been a trusted and committed partner of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for more than 70 years. We look forward to building on our proud legacy of supporting the ADF, through Project AIR6500-1, to help deliver the world’s most advanced next-gen joint air battle management system – ensuring a stronger, more secure Australia.

Australian Industry Capability

Growing LMA Workforce

> 1200 employees, more than 10% supporting AIR6500

Sovereign Technology investments

Invested over $50M in Australian R&D and LMA labs

STEM Commitment

Partnerships with > 17 different universities

Emphasis on Innovation

Endeavour Centre, STELaRLaB, LMA labs connected to Lockheed Martin labs worldwide

Allied Interoperability

Extensible system to support key military alliances

Strong Global Supply Chain

Linking Australian companies into LM global supply chain

Next-Generation Capabilities for Australia

AIR6500 is a joint ‘system-of-systems’ that will completely revolutionise the way the ADF operates. Connecting disparate ADF systems and platforms across all domains into a cohesive 21st century operational environment, AIR6500 synchronises air and missile defence operations, improves situational awareness and enhances the speed of decision making.

Lockheed Martin is investing in capabilities like artificial intelligence, machine learning and automation to enable warfighters to operate inside an adversary’s decision-making timeline.

As we look to the future, Lockheed Martin looks forward to partnering with the ADF as it continues to enhance integration and interoperability across its armed forces and its allies. The key to realising this revolutionary leap forward in defence capability for Australia is to link capabilities across every domain of warfare, from future submarines and frigates to over-the-horizon radar and unmanned surveillance aircraft and much more.

Commitment to Australia’s Sovereignty

Through investments and partnerships across Australia’s research and industry communities, we’ve established local and global supply chains that provide next-gen technology transfer and innovation, as well as jobs and sustainable business growth. Since the inception of the Lockheed Martin Global Supply Chain program in 2012, Lockheed Martin has provided unprecedented opportunities to Australian industry meeting with over 1,500 companies and introducing some 400 new companies to the Defence industry space. Currently over 50 Australian companies participate in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter supply chain which translates to over 2,000 jobs. In addition to the jobs created, the program has provided in excess of $1.7 billion in export dollars.

Utilising both the STELaRLab in Melbourne and Endeavour Centre in Canberra, we are actively growing the local C4ISR skill base, adding high-tech technical jobs to the market. Our commitment to R&D in Australia demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s enduring presence to help drive growth and prosperity and position Australia as a leading and dynamic 21st-century economy. Today, Lockheed Martin Australia employs thousands of scientists, technologists, systems engineers, software developers and logisticians, to name but a few occupations. Please join our team as we work to bring the best technology and innovation to Australia.