A local Montmorency business is contributing to the delivery of Australia’s newest fighter jets.

The arrival of Australia’s first two F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft at last week’s Australian International Air Show in Avalon demonstrated that the multi-billion dollar fifth generation stealth fighter jet program is not only delivering for Australia’s defence capability, but also creating jobs and driving economic growth.

Liberal Senator for Victoria, Senator the Hon Scott Ryan said Australia has committed to purchase 72 jets to address Australia’s future threat environment and replace the ageing F/A-18A/B Hornet fleet.

“More than 50 Australian businesses have already shared in $800 million of value in the F-35 production program. This defence project has created 2,400 jobs across the country,” Senator Ryan said.

Lovitt Technologies Australia, an Australian-owned, Montmorency-based business will benefit from work in the jet’s production and maintenance program.

“Spending our defence dollars locally and promoting our defence industry globally is part of the Turnbull Government’s commitment to creating high tech manufacturing jobs,” Senator Ryan said.

“I am particularly pleased with the work done by Lovitt Technologies Australia, which is demonstrating the best of Australia’s manufacturing innovation and securing local jobs.”

In the next six years it is anticipated the number of jobs created by the JSF program will double to 5,000 nationwide.