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
-
![Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?]()
Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?
The 2025 Dubai Airshow saw several aspiring suppliers of combat aircraft to the region’s air forces parade their wares in the sky and on the ground. Shephard’s Edward Hunt explores their chance of success in the Middle East.
-
![Saab eyes fresh market opportunities for its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft]()
Saab eyes fresh market opportunities for its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft
As the E-7 Wedgetail faces prolonged production and technical delays as well as a recently abandoned contract from NATO, its competitor, the GlobalEye, may find new avenues for market growth.
-
![US Air Force prepares to test uncrewed F-16 VISTA in challenging scenarios]()
US Air Force prepares to test uncrewed F-16 VISTA in challenging scenarios
Th mission systems upgrade of the X-62 VISTA variant of the F-16 will allow the air force to evaluate the jet in more demanding environments.
-
![Lockheed’s deal to triple PAC-3 MSE production opens doors to portfolio boost]()
Lockheed’s deal to triple PAC-3 MSE production opens doors to portfolio boost
The framework agreement with the US Department of Defense would see Lockheed Martin increase production capacity from 600 to 2,000 interceptors per year.
