Boeing signs RAAF Wedgetail support extension
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has elected to extend a contract with Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) to support its Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft fleet through to 2019. The $901 million contract extension was announced on 17 March.
BDA has supported the Wedgetail AEW&C programme since 2010, and took over prime support responsibility for the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft in July 2013. Under this extension the company will continue to provide programme management, supply-chain management, engineering, and maintenance services.
The E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C provides airborne battle management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar, which has the ability to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.
Kim Gillis, vice president and managing director, BDA, said: ‘Our stable, established support programme provides a strong foundation for future activities and requirements while maintaining availability and capability outcomes for the RAAF. Over the past five years, BDA has developed a strong partnering relationship with the RAAF and Defence Materiel Organisation under the Wedgetail ‘One Team’ banner.’
Air Vice-Marshal Leigh Gordon, head aerospace systems division, Defence Materiel Organisation, added: ‘Our decision to extend this contract demonstrates the maturity of BDA and its industry partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems, engineering maintenance and logistics support to the E-7A Wedgetail capability. With 50 percent Australian content, this contract extension maintains Australian industry’s significant involvement in the Wedgetail capability.’
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