According to the Government, acess to export markets and global value chains has been given a boost by the extension of Global Supply Agreements with major defence companies.
The Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne announced the extensions during a visit to Thales’ Bendigo facility to understand the company’s manufacturing capabilities for the Bushmaster and Hawkei protected mobility vehicles.
The Minister said that Defence has signed contracts with Thales and Raytheon to maximise export opportunities for capable Australian companies.
The Agreements are under the Global Supply Chain Program which, according to Minister Pyne, is a key initiative to provide SMEs with defence and commercial bid opportunities across the Primes’ business units.
“This is a globally unique program and ensures our very capable and innovative companies are provided with enduring opportunities across the land, maritime, electronic and aerospace domains”.
“As the Minister for Defence Industry, I am pleased to announce that the program has already facilitated contracts to 123 Australian companies totalling in excess of $785 million. These are signed purchase orders, providing industry with the certainty it needs to invest, innovate and remain globally competitive”.
“The recent signing of three year extensions to Agreements with Thales and Raytheon ensures opportunities for Australian industry remain a priority for these Defence Primes. The Primes also importantly provide mentoring, training and facilitate meetings between Australian companies and key decision makers in their organisation, reinforcing the contribution the Prime makes to supporting Australia’s defence industry. ”
The Primes currently participating in the program are Boeing, Raytheon, Thales, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman.