Queensland Deputy Premier Hon. Steven Miles, officially opened Northrop Grumman Australia’s newly-modernised Brisbane Maintenance and Modification Centre (BMMC), a major facility for the sustainment of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) aviation capability. In attendance were key RAAF stakeholders and Kathy Warden, chair, chief executive officer and president, Northrop Grumman and Christine Zeitz, general manager, Asia Pacific region, Northrop Grumman.
“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”
Queensland Deputy Premier Hon. Steven Miles
Northrop Grumman’s $20 million investment in the BMMC modernisation project created 300 local jobs, and directly involved over 500 people. The facility conducts continuous through life support to key RAAF fleets and will engage an ongoing Northrop Grumman Australia workforce of around 100 employees, with the new infrastructure capacity now allowing for a significant expansion.
“It’s been terrific to have the Deputy Premier open this strategically important facility, delivering sustainable support to the RAAF mission. Our sustainment and modernisation program is a key element of our on-going commitment and investment to the State, Northrop Grumman’s growing sustainment work at the BMMC has enabled us to establish an apprenticeship program providing a pipeline of skilled Queensland engineers underpinning the company’s ability to deliver Advanced Technology programs 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.”
Christine Zeitz, general manager, Asia Pacific region, Northrop Grumman.
About BMMC
The facility provides support and maintenance to the RAAF’s six KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, a versatile platform that is an operational refuelling tanker for a range of RAAF aircraft.
The Multi Role Tanker Transport has 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 RAAF’s fleet of 10 C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, which have proved invaluable in the airlift of people, equipment and supplies in Australia and our near region. The Spartan provides a versatile and unique capability that is 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.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day.
