Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I sincerely thank Senator Hughes for that question. Sometimes in this job you have challenging days and sometimes you have simply great days, and today is certainly a great day. The global F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program is delivering the most capable and best value fifth-generation multirole fighter to meet Australia's air power needs. The JSF's introduction into service is progressing well; in fact, I'm delighted to say it is progressing very well. Of the 72 aircraft being acquired, 30 are already in service in Australia, and we have three more on the way. This capability will be the backbone of Air Force's future air combat operations.

This important program is now also delivering unprecedented economic opportunities for businesses right across our nation—opportunities that Australian companies and Australian workers are seizing. This morning I announced that Australian companies have signed contracts worth an astonishing $2.7 billion under the global Joint Strike Fighter program. Over 50 Australian companies have participated in the program to date, and it is expected to support around 5,000—that's 5,000—Australian jobs by 2023 alone. Australian-made parts are now installed on every single Joint Strike Fighter globally—that is, 600 aircraft so far and counting. Whenever a Joint Strike Fighter takes to the sky anywhere around the world, it does so relying on Australian know-how.

This has not just happened; this is a very deliberate part of the Morrison government's plan to strengthen Australian sovereign defence industry. We have created the opportunity for Australian companies to contribute to a large global program for many decades to come.