Lockheed Martin Australia

Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) is the Australian subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, the world's largest defense contractor by revenue. Lockheed Martin has maintained a significant presence in Australia for decades, supporting major ADF programs and developing Australian-specific capabilities.

Key aspects of Lockheed Martin Australia:

1. Southern Shield hypersonic counter-threat:

• Lockheed Martin Australia is developing the Southern Shield concept — a hypersonic counter-threat system designed to defend against hypersonic weapons
• Southern Shield is being developed by a team of 60+ people at Lockheed Martin Australia
• The concept addresses the growing threat posed by hypersonic weapons (cruise missiles and glide vehicles) developed by Russia, China, and other nations
• Hypersonic weapons are extremely difficult to intercept due to their speed (Mach 5+), maneuverability, and low altitude flight profiles
• Southern Shield would provide Australia with a sovereign capability to defend against hypersonic threats
• The concept likely involves advanced sensors, interceptors, and command and control systems optimized for hypersonic threat engagement

2. Aegis Combat System support:

• Lockheed Martin is the developer and prime contractor for the Aegis Combat System used on the RAN's Hobart-class destroyers
• LMA provides Aegis maintenance, upgrade, and support services for the RAN
• The company supports the integration of Aegis with Australian systems including CEA Technologies' CEAFAR radar
• LMA will also support the Aegis system on the Hunter-class frigates

3. F-35 Lightning II:

• Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer of the F-35 Lightning II, operated by the RAAF (F-35A variant)
• LMA provides F-35 maintenance, training, and support services in Australia
• The F-35's sustainment infrastructure in Australia includes depot-level maintenance capabilities
• LMA supports the F-35's electronic warfare, sensor, and weapons systems

4. Missile defense systems:

• Lockheed Martin produces multiple missile defense systems used by or offered to Australia:
  • PAC-3 MSE (Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement)
  • THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense)
  • Aegis BMD (Ballistic Missile Defense)
  • Various interceptor missiles
• LMA supports Australian missile defense modernization and integration

5. AUKUS contribution:

• Lockheed Martin's involvement in both US and Australian defense programs makes it a natural contributor to AUKUS technology cooperation
• The company's Aegis, F-35, and missile defense expertise is relevant to multiple AUKUS Pillar 2 technology areas
• LMA can facilitate technology transfer and industrial cooperation between US and Australian defense industrial bases
• The company's Australian workforce and facilities support sovereign Australian defense industrial capability

6. Australian industrial base:

• LMA employs 60+ people in Australia (and more through subcontractors and partners)
• The company maintains offices and facilities in Canberra, Adelaide, and other locations
• LMA partners with Australian companies including CEA Technologies, ASC, and various SMEs
• The company contributes to the development of the Australian defense industrial base through technology transfer, training, and local manufacturing

7. Other programs:

• LMA supports various other ADF programs including:
  • Tactical missile systems
  • C4ISR systems
  • Training and simulation
  • Logistics and sustainment
  • Space systems

Lockheed Martin Australia represents a critical link between the US and Australian defense industrial bases. The company's involvement in major ADF programs (Aegis, F-35, missile defense) and its development of Australian-specific capabilities (Southern Shield) make it a key partner in Australian defense modernization. The company's role in AUKUS technology cooperation leverages its dual US-Australian presence to facilitate technology transfer and industrial cooperation.