Lockheed Martin Awarded Contract to Sustain Tactical Air Defence Radar System

11 Juli 2020

RAAF AN/TPS-77 Tactical Air Defence Radar System (TADRS) (photo : RAAF)

New contract creates Newcastle Defence jobs

Lockheed Martin Australia has signed a new five year contract with Defence for ongoing sustainment of the Tactical Air Defence Radar System (TADRS), which is used by the Royal Australian Air Force for air surveillance operations.  

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the $50 million contract will sustain the mobile radar system, create five new positions in Williamtown, New South Wales, and contains more than 90 per cent Australian industry content.

“This is a great example of the importance of partnerships between Defence and industry with the creation of additional highly skilled positions in what is a vibrant regional defence hub,” Minister Price said.

“The TADRS complements the Morrison Government’s investment in Australia’s surveillance and intelligence data collection and analysis capability.

“The importance of this capability was highlighted in the recently-released 2020 Force Posture Plan.

“With more than 90 per cent of the contract dedicated to Australian industry content, this project not only delivers new technology for a cutting edge Australian Defence Force but also represents an enormous opportunity for Australian industry.”

Lockheed Martin Australia employs a team of 25 skilled systems, hardware and logistics engineers, technicians, program managers, commercial and business staff to work on the TADRS. They have maintained and refreshed the radar system to ensure the high levels of availability required to defend Australia and to support deployed operations.

(Aus DoD)