Minister for Defence Welcomed the Signing of AIC Deed with Raytheon

Wednesday, Jul 01, 2009

The Hon. Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today welcomed the signing of an Australian Industry Capability (AIC) Deed with the Managing Director of Raytheon Australia, Ron Fisher, and the establishment of Raytheon Australia’s Industry Development Unit.

Under the AIC program, Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) is working with global defence companies to ensure Australian companies, especially small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), have the opportunity to access and participate in global supply chains of large international companies.

Mr Combet said the AIC Deeds are aimed at facilitating opportunities in the international defence companies and their first and second tier supply chains for Australian companies, particularly SMEs that might otherwise find it difficult to approach large overseas companies on their own.

“In addition, the AIC Deeds provide selected training and mentoring to Australian companies to enable them to be more globally competitive,” Mr Combet said.

Ron Fisher said Raytheon Australia’s Industry Development Unit will promote the interests of local defence firms by identifying and facilitating business opportunities through the Raytheon global supply chain.

“This is an important next step in Raytheon’s drive to encourage small and medium sized Australian firms,” Mr Fisher said.

Mr Combet said under the Deed the Raytheon Australia Industry Development Unit will identify potential opportunities for Australian firms, mentor Australian industry on the US defence market, and work with the DMO and other government agencies to co-ordinate trade missions and help break down the barriers that may otherwise inhibit doing business in the US defence market.

“The unit will also distribute expressions of interest to Australian SMEs for relevant technologies and products, and work to secure new business for local industry,” Mr Combet said.

The Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specialising in defence, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world.

Source: Australian Government