Australia to sustain and upgrade Super Hornets and Growlers until 2030
The RAAF EA-18G Growler’s Airborne electronic attack capability reached final operational capability. (Photo: RAAF)
Australia has awarded Boeing Defence Australia an AU$600 million (US$401.4 million) contract to sustain and upgrade the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler fleets.
The five-year contract extension, the Australian Government of Defence said, would see support for the two fighter jet programmes continue until 2030.
The Air Combat and Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract with Boeing Defence Australia commenced on 1 July 2016 for an initial period of five years. The newly announced contract is the second extension, taking the overall contract value to AU$1.2 billion.
It came as the Growler’s Airborne electronic attack capability reached final operational capability.
‘In a time of escalating global tensions, maintaining top-tier aircraft and a highly skilled local workforce is paramount,’ said Pat Conroy, minister for defence industry for the Australian Government. ‘This contract extension fortifies our preparedness for any potential challenges.’
Scott Carpendale, VP and managing director for Boeing Defence Australia, noted: ‘Since commencing sustainment for Super Hornet in 2010 and Growler in 2017, we've developed a world-class team, enhanced local capability through increased Australian industry involvement, delivered to operational aircraft availability requirements, and provided fleet upgrades.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
-
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.