SRC Aus to produce data sets for RAAF’s F-35A Joint Strike Fighter

SRC Aus has secured a contract to produce data sets for operational missions for the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) F-35A Joint Strike Fighter.

Under the A$17m ($13.5m) contract, the company will help deliver the Ghosthawk mission support system that can be used to produce trusted mission data sets.

The Ghosthawk is intended to replace Australia’s existing mission information systems with an integrated, next-generation intelligence support system that is capable of collecting, manipulating and disseminating data to pilots and their aircraft.

Australia Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said: “SRC Aus will play a vital role in developing our fifth-generation air combat force.

“The data from Ghosthawk underpins the key information advantage the JSF will bring to the airforce – data on weapons, radars, other aircraft and EW systems, all integrated with the fighter’s on-board suite of advanced mission sensors to create unsurpassed situational awareness.”

The contract award is expected to create a total of 23 jobs in Adelaide and Canberra, while it coincides with the opening of SRC Aus’ new Canberra office.

Pyne added: “This is an excellent example of an overseas defence company seeing an opportunity in the defence sector here in Australia and bringing their expertise here to employ Australians in advanced, high-tech jobs.”

In support of the JSF programme, more than 50 Australian companies have directly shared in more than A$800m ($639.2m) in production contracts.

SRC Aus’ parent company has also been contracted for developing the Ghosthawk mission support system valued at A$92.7m ($74.06m).