Support to Joint Strike Fighter acquisition

AIR 6000 aims to introduce a new air combat capability that will meet Australia's air combat needs out to 2030 and beyond.

DST Group has provided critical scientific and technical advice to support the acquisition of the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), particularly in the system development and demonstration phase of the project.

We have conducted extensive research into the new technologies being developed, assessing their impact on the JSF and how the aircraft would fit into the capability mix of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

About the F-35A

The F-35A is a fifth-generation, stealthy, multi-role fighter being developed for the United States and eight international partner nations, including Australia.

When integrated into a networked ADF, Australia's F-35A will fulfil the functions of air dominance and strike capability currently provided by F/A-18A/B Hornets and F/A-18F Super Hornets.

DST Group's role

DST has four science and technology priorities for the JSF Project:

• Provide relevant and timely science and technology (S&T) advice to inform and support Defence and government considerations & decisions throughout the life of the Air System.
• Inform and support the F-35 Program to promote the transfer of Australian technology which can improve capability, better address Australian specific requirements; and reduce risk.
• Ensure an appropriate S&T technology base is maintained or developed to support the F-35 acquisition and in-service capability.
• Support Australia and position industry to best support the ADF.

DST is providing S&T support to the JSF acquisition in a number of areas including air vehicle technologies, structural design, electronic warfare, electromagnetic environmental effects, operational analysis, simulation, human factors, radar, sensor fusion, computing/software and low observables.