South coast jobs: Raytheon says drone hub will bring jobs and millions into local economy
A defence contractor says the opportunity to develop navy drones on the south coast could bring as much as $50 million into the local economy.
The South Coast News
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Defence contractor Raytheon says the opportunity to manufacture a navy drones on the south coast would bring $50 million into the local economy over the life of the project.
Raytheon Australia recently announced the Shoalhaven may soon be home to the the Asia Pacific manufacturing and sustainment hub for its S-100 Unmanned Aerial Systems, used by the Royal Australian Navy.
However, development of the hub depends on whether the company can gain the contract under the Defence for the LAND 129 Phase 3 program, as it competes with In situ Pacific, Leidos Australia and Textron Systems Australia.
“The development of this regional UAS sustainment hub will generate even more growth and jobs for the Shoalhaven region,” Raytheon Australia managing director Michael Ward said.
“We will work with local suppliers to foster genuine Australian industrial sovereignty, prioritising defence’s operational needs.”
The Canberra-based company said the hub would see the creation of 20 new jobs in the Shoalhaven.
A Raytheon spokesman said if it was selected, it would develop and maintain the drones with three Shoalhaven-based companies Schiebel Pacific, Air Affairs Australia and Innovation Composites.
“We are fully committed to the Australian market and are proud of our efforts in setting up the UAS manufacturing and sustainment hub for the Shoalhaven region,” general manager at Schiebel Pacific Limited Andrew Watson said.