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Lockheed Martin Australia has been awarded a contract extension to continue sustaining the state-of-the-art Aegis Combat System for the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart Class guided missile destroyers.
The contract will run until the end of 2025, ensuring critical defence capabilities remain at peak operational readiness. Building on five years of continuous support, this extension strengthens Australia’s maritime defence posture by reinforcing the Aegis Sustainment Program.
Lockheed Martin Australia has steadily expanded its sovereign Aegis workforce, now exceeding 140 personnel dedicated to supporting both the current fleet of Hobart Class destroyers and the future Hunter Class frigates.
Warren McDonald, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the significance of the contract extension, stating, “This milestone reflects our deep commitment to supporting the Royal Australian Navy and strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities. Since 2020, we have worked closely with the Navy to ensure operational readiness while growing the Aegis industrial base. We look forward to continuing this partnership.”
Under this 12-month contract, Lockheed Martin Australia’s Sydney-based Aegis team will provide advanced naval combat systems engineering services, including system updates, alignments and material condition assessments. Sustainment efforts will also focus on maintaining a coherent engineering baseline across the destroyers through detailed design development and coordination.
The Aegis Combat System was acquired by the Australian government through foreign military sales arrangements with the United States. With Aegis operational on over 100 warships worldwide, it remains the most advanced combat system of its kind, offering the Royal Australian Navy a critical advantage in countering evolving threats.
Gavin Douglas, Lockheed Martin Australia’s integrated warfare systems and sensors lead, emphasised the value of continued collaboration, saying, “We are proud to extend our support to the Royal Australian Navy through this contract. Our priority remains delivering world-class solutions that enhance the operational effectiveness of the Hobart Class destroyers, contributing to the Navy’s mission of protecting Australia’s interests.”
“With our ability to leverage technical expertise from Lockheed Martin in the United States, we are uniquely positioned to deliver a tailored Aegis Sustainment Program for the Royal Australian Navy,” Douglas added.
“This approach not only ensures cost efficiencies for the Commonwealth but also strengthens national self-reliance and enhances the availability of vital naval assets.”
The extension of Lockheed Martin Australia’s Aegis sustainment efforts reinforces its ongoing role as a trusted partner to the Australian Defence Force, ensuring the Royal Australian Navy maintains cutting-edge maritime capabilities in an increasingly complex security environment.
