Boeing awarded Wedgetail support contract

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare has announced that Boeing has been awarded a $55 million Electronic Warfare support contract for the Royal Australian Air Force fleet of Wedgetail aircraft.

“Our Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft will play an important role in providing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability for the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Clare said. 

The support arrangements for the fleet of AEW&C aircraft include software development, testing and repair of the Wedgetail’s advanced Electronic Warfare systems.

This contract is expected to provide employment for 27 engineers and logistic specialists in South Australia.

“It is important that this support work is done here in Australia,” Clare said.

“It will reduce the often lengthy overseas repair times, increase aircraft availability and reduce overall costs.

“The contract will also ensure critical engineering and Electronic Warfare systems design knowledge is retained within Australia for the ongoing support of the fleet of Wedgetails.”

In addition to the work undertaken by Boeing, BAE Systems will be the principal sub contractor.