Wedoany.com Report on Feb 25th, Lockheed Martin Australia and its local industry partner Quickstep Holdings Limited have recently achieved a significant manufacturing milestone, with the latter successfully completing production of the 300th set of composite flap assemblies for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
On February 24, 2026, Lockheed Martin Australia announced in Sydney that this batch of composite flap assemblies was manufactured at Quickstep's facility at Bankstown Airport and will be shipped to Lockheed Martin's production base in Marietta, Georgia, USA. This progress also includes providing composite flap assemblies for the first aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force's new C-130J fleet, which is expected to be delivered in 2028 through Project AIR 7404.
In the C-130J program, Quickstep is the sole global supplier of composite flaps and the only Australian-based manufacturer for this project. Since 2014, all manufactured C-130 aircraft have utilized flaps produced at the Bankstown facility, demonstrating Australia's ongoing contribution to the aerospace manufacturing sector.
Tony Mazur, Vice President of Operations for Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, stated that this achievement showcases the robust development of Australia's advanced manufacturing capabilities. Mazur said, "Reaching the 300-unit milestone is a significant accomplishment for Quickstep and the Australian defense manufacturing industry, particularly as these components will be used on the first aircraft of Australia's new C-130J fleet. Quickstep has proven to be a long-term, reliable, and critical partner, consistently delivering mission-critical composite structures that meet the quality, scale, and precision required for global aerospace programs. Lockheed Martin Australia is proud to collaborate with partners like Quickstep to enhance resilient sovereign capabilities and integrate Australian industry into the global aerospace supply chain."
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASDAM, Quickstep has collaborated with Lockheed Martin for over a decade, participating in multiple aerospace programs. The two parties work closely to develop and sustain advanced manufacturing capabilities in Australia to support global defense needs. Rohan Stock, CEO of ASDAM, noted that this milestone reflects the accumulation of long-term investment and technical expertise. Stock said, "Being the sole global supplier of C-130J composite flaps is a testament to the capabilities of our workforce and the strength of our partnership with Lockheed Martin. This project serves as a foundation for Quickstep's growth and continues to provide high-skilled jobs and advanced manufacturing capabilities in Australia. Our entire team is proud to contribute to Lockheed Martin's global supply chain."
Lockheed Martin stated that the new C-130J fleet will continue this partnership, supporting Australia's medium air mobility capabilities for decades to come. This progress not only solidifies Australia's position in the global aerospace supply chain but also promotes the enhancement of local manufacturing capabilities.
