Rosebank opens F-35 wheels and brakes repair depot

Rosebank Engineering has previously provided maintenance, repair, and overhaul support to the RAAF on F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet (retired) and in-service F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft.

Air Vice-Marshal Graham Edwards, head of the aerospace systems division, welcomed Rosebank’s activation of its wheels and brakes repair depot under the F-35 Global Support Solution for aircraft operating in, or deployed to, the Indo-Pacific region.

“This activation of the repair service is an important contribution to the F-35 enterprise in the Indo-Pacific region,” AVM Edwards said.

“Rosebank Engineering was awarded a $2.26 million grant to support its depot activation for wheels and brakes, providing an investment in Australian skills and jobs as well as delivering a significant export opportunity.

“Australian industry is playing an increasingly important role in the production and sustainment of the global F-35 fleet, which has now reached over 975 aircraft of an expected global fleet of over 3,000.

“To date, more than 70 Australian companies have directly shared more than $4.13 billion in global F-35 production and sustainment contracts.”

Rob Weitzman, Lockheed Martin program director for F-35 Australia, also welcomed the depot activation.

“Rosebank Engineering’s new F-35 wheels and brakes repair facility will provide critical support infrastructure to F-35 fleets operating in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Royal Australian Air Force,” said Weitzman.

“This is an example of Australia’s world-class engineering capabilities and demonstrates how the F-35 program is contributing significantly to the growth and development of Australia’s defence industry, which has been awarded over $4.13 billion in global production and sustainment contracts through the F-35 program to date.”

The first F-35A aircraft was accepted into Australian service in 2018. The first F-35A squadron, No. 3 Squadron, became operational in 2021. All 72 aircraft are expected to be fully operational by 2023.

The F-35A features a low observable design, internal weapons and fuel carriage, electro-optical and infrared sensors, advanced voice and data link communications, advanced radar, and a range of air-to-surface and air-to-air weapons.

Australia has committed to 72 F-35A aircraft for three operational squadrons at RAAF Base Williamtown, RAAF Base Tindal, and a training squadron at RAAF Base Williamtown.