Authorities are investigating an alleged terror attack on the outskirts of Melbourne, at Lovitt Technologies, which produces parts for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets. Australia's involvement in the global F-35 supply chain has been criticised in recent years because the US-made fighter jets have been used by Israel for attacks on Gaza. Law enforcement agencies allege the attackers have expressed support for Palestine, and targeted the facility due to its links in defence supply chains. They say the attack may have been motivated by anarchist and revolutionary ideology.
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TRANSCRIPT
Authorities are investigating an attack on a Victorian manufacturer, which they say may have been orchestrated by far-left extremists with anarchist and revolutionary ideologies.
The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, or JCTT, has today released new images of suspects accused of targeting Lovitt Technologies in the early hours of July 5, 2025.
AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall said the alleged attack was serious and those who had information should come forward immediately.
“The JCTT clearly have some information about these alleged offenders and are focused on identifying who they are. At any time, we could be knocking on the door of the accused group. We know this is making some in the group anxious – as it should, because we are determined to bring them before the courts."
The JCTT alleges members of an unnamed group vandalised the business in the suburb of Greensborough, set alight multiple vehicles on the property, and later posted about it online.
Lovitt Technologies manufactures parts for Lockheed-Martin F-35 fighter jets, a global supply chain Australia participates in, which has become controversial due to Israel's use of F-35 jets in the Gaza Strip.
Authorities say the alleged offenders expressed support for Palestine, and accused them of targeting Lovitt Technologies due to its role in the Australian Defence Force supply chains.
Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall says the alleged offenders could face significant jail time.
"We cannot overstate the seriousness of this terror-related crime, and the AFP, together with our partners, will not tolerate acts of terror motivated by extremist ideologies aiming to cause fear and anguish in our community.”
Under the Criminal Code, conviction for terror offences can carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, according to a statement by the JCTT, which includes Victoria Police, ASIO and the AFP.
The JCTT has also alleged that members of the group voiced their opposition to the Australian government, and offered advice on how to make incendiary devices similar to the one suspected of being used to damage cars at Lovitt Technologies.
Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Wheatfill suggested the attack had the potential to put the wider community at significant risk.
“Fire, in particular, is a very dangerous method of committing crimes of this nature. Not only is it dangerous for the people actually perpetrating it, but for the wider community and neighboring houses and businesses, and we really deplore this type of activity and the danger that they put the broader community in.”
He says using violent or dangerous methods to express political or social viewpoints is unnacceptable.
"Everyone has the right to do their business as they wish to do so, and some attacks, particularly attacks of this nature, for a political or a social agenda, is really not acceptable in this circumstance."
