Three Australian companies have received funding from the Federal Government to ramp up their involvement in the global F-35 program.
Among the grant recipients is family-owned company Axiom, which secured $809,998 to purchase a five-axis three metre vertical computer numerical control machine, and to train staff in its operation.
Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the grants were awarded under the New Air Combat Capability – Industry Support Program, which supports the development of new or improved capabilities that enhance the Australian industry’s ability to win work in production, sustainment and follow-on development phases of the F-35 Program.
“Axiom recently joined forces with Defence to rapidly produce face shields for frontline health workers,” Minister Price continued.
“This demonstrated the highly-advanced manufacturing capacity we have in our defence industry and why it’s important to invest in these capabilities.
“The funding we’re providing Axiom will enable them to invest in new equipment to ramp up their involvement in the F-35 program, which leads to the creation of more local jobs and opportunities in their supply chain.”
The other two grant recipients include Victorian-based companies Moog and A.W. Bell.
Moog has been awarded $250,000 to undertake a study and capability gap analysis to prepare for the sustainment phase of the F-35 Global Support Solution, whereas A.W. Bell has secured $250,000 to invest at its Dandenong South casting and production facility, to improve competitiveness and reduce risk for the F-35 global supply chain.
