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One of the world’s largest defence contractors has announced it will build a $50 million ‘centre of excellence’at the new Badgerys Creek airport in Western Sydney, with plans to employ 500 people.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confirmed the news at Richmond RAAF Base that US defence firm Northrop Grumman will be the first anchor tenant in a new high-tech defence and aerospace precinct at the upcoming NSW airport.
Northrop’s $50 million Electronic Sustainment Centre of Excellence will form an Australian capability to support electronic warfare equipment and advanced electronics.
The defence giant said the centre is part of its commitment to double its workforce in Australia to 1,000.
It will also maintain and service aircraft and systems, including the F35 Joint Strike Fighter and the highly-advanced reconnaissance drone, the MQ-4C Triton.
Northrop’s announcement follows the Turnbull government’s decision to build a new airport at Western Sydney with an investment valued at $5.3 billion.
Northrop Grumman international president, Dave Perry, welcomed the government’s investment.
“The government’s strong commitment to grow the defence industry in Australia gave us the confidence to make this significant investment in Western Sydney,” he said.
