An Australian engineering company has won a contract to manufacture components for engines to be used on F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.

The contract to Levett Engineering from Pratt and Whitney was announced on Wednesday in Canberra, the capital of Australia, by Defense Minister David Johnston.

"With the global fleet of around 3,000 F-35s expected to be manufactured, this contract represents an important step for Levett Engineering," he said. "If Levett continues to meet required quality standards it will have the opportunity to secure up to $200 million in revenue though the JSF production phase.

"As the only regional Asia-Pacific JSF partner nation, we anticipate that Australian industry will be afforded a range of opportunities in both production and support."

No details were available on the contract between the two companies for the components, which will be part of Pratt and Whitney's F135 engines.

Levett Engineering is one of 30 Australian firms that have so far gained work on the global Joint Strike Fighter program.