Boeing extends Australian wing kit partnership until 2028
Ferra will explore applications of the long-range and mass-producible powered JDAM, pictured here in this artist’s rendering, as part of its extended agreement with Boeing. (Image: Boeing illustration)
Boeing will continue working with Australian partner Ferra for the supply of precision aerial munitions for five more years.
Boeing has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an Australian engineering company to continue receiving precision aerial munition wing kits for its global network.
Australian aerospace structures and sub-systems manufacturer Ferra Group has seen its agreement to supply the US aerospace manufacturing giant with 500-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM ER) wing kits extended through to 2028.
The MoU will also see Ferra explore applications for long-range, low-cost and mass-producible powered JDAM, which could potentially travel more than 300 nautical miles.
Related Articles
Boeing contracted for more A-10 wing kit work
Australia diversifies AUKUS into advanced capabilities such as hypersonics
Boeing Defence Australia completes deliveries for Project Currawong
Bob Ciesla, vice-president of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems, commented: ‘Powered JDAM will exponentially increase the effective range of the munition, and alongside the JDAM ER, will effectively and affordably meet a variety of defence needs around the world.’
JDAM ER wing kits were originally developed by Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group and triple the effective range of the standard JDAM, providing what Boeing called ‘a low-cost option to convert the existing munitions into guided smart munitions’.
Aaron Thompson, managing director of Brisbane-based Ferra Engineering, said the deal ‘assures our production pipeline and paves the way for continued innovation such as Powered JDAM’.
‘The expanded partnership further strengthens Australian industry’s capacity to contribute to the future needs of the Australian Defence Force and support its priorities to deter aggression and defend our country and our allies in the rapidly evolving threat environment,’ Thompson remarked.
The RAAF was Boeing’s first JDAM ER customer and Ferra has partnered with Boeing for 12 years to produce the wing kits.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II]()
Collins prepares expansion of the US Navy/Marine Tactical Combat Training System Inc II
The company has been negotiating the supply of TCTS II to US allies and partners.
-
![Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT]()
Spanish Air Force receives first converted A330 MRTT
The second and third Airbus A330 MRTT for the Spanish Air Force have been undergoing conversion in Getafe, Madrid.
-
![Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes]()
Indonesia commits to further collaboration with Turkey, eyes Kaan jet and MILDEN programmes
The two countries have already signed defence industrial partnerships in recent years, most recently between Republikorp and Turkish firm Baykar in February 2025.
-
![Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles]()
Australia approved for $1 billion order of AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
The greenlight by the US State Department for up to 400 missiles reinforces the need for increased solid rocket motor (SRM) production and highlights the reason Australia wants to develop a local missile capability.
-
![L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS & software solutions]()
L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS & software solutions
L3Harris Technologies is investing in new systems and software for maritime operations and modernising the US Navy’s fleet of MPAs
-
![Wedgetail rising as the aircraft continues to prove itself and wins fans]()
Wedgetail rising as the aircraft continues to prove itself and wins fans
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was the lead customer for the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and the platform has been ordered by several countries with platforms ordered by the UK, with the US and NATO also selecting the platform.
