Supports MRTT and Spartan Fleets
Northrop Grumman officially opened its newly-modernised Brisbane Maintenance and Modification Centre (BMMC), a major facility for the sustainment of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) aviation capability, on 21 March.
The $20 million investment created 300 local jobs, and directly involved over 500 people. The facility conducts continuous through-life support to key RAAF fleets, with the new infrastructure capacity now allowing for significant expansion. “Queensland has cemented itself as a powerhouse for Australia’s defence industry, and our capabilities are quickly growing. Two thirds of the Australian Army operates out of Queensland, and this is just another feather in our cap […] Northrop Grumman Australia’s facility here in Brisbane is just another great example of the close collaboration between Defence and Australian industry, supporting an important ADF capability, as well as providing significant investment and generating good, skilled jobs for the Queensland workforce,” commented Queensland Deputy Premier, Steven Miles.
“Our sustainment and modernisation programme is a key element of our on-going commitment and investment to [Queensland] Northrop Grumman’s growing sustainment work at the BMMC has enabled us to establish an apprenticeship programme providing a pipeline of skilled Queensland engineers underpinning the company’s ability to deliver advanced technology programmes in the coming years. A world class skilled local workforce with genuine and attractive career options, in partnership with the Queensland government, is a critical driver of future joint mission success,” added Christine Zeitz, Northrop Grumman’s General Manager, Asia Pacific.
BMMC provides support and maintenance to the RAAF’s six KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, which have supported a range of ADF missions, including Operation OKRA in the fight against Daesh, Operation Afghan Assist and the Regional Presence deployment with allied partners. It also supports the service’s fleet of 10 C-27J Spartan transports, which have proved invaluable in the airlift of people, equipment and supplies in Australia and the region. The Spartan offers a versatile, unique capability, well matched to Australia’s strategic and humanitarian objectives in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia ,due to its ability to land on regional and unsealed airstrips.
