Global Ordnance and Sparkz disclose plans for 500,000 US-made UAV batteries a year
The companies have outlined plans for US$25 million manufacturing lines and initial deliveries in 2027 as Washington tightens restrictions on Chinese UAV components.
Australia onshores Super Hornet and Growler maintenance elements
Australia is moving MRO functions onshore for its F/A-18F Super Hornets. (Photo: BDA)
New MRO contract between Boeing Defence Australia and RUAG Australia replaces work previously done in the US.
Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has signed a new military aircraft support contract with RUAG Australia, as part of broader efforts to build up sovereign MRO capabilities in the country.
The deal under the Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment (ACEAS) programme will see RUAG perform ‘enhanced intermediate-level repairs on an initial three components for F/A-18Fand EA-18G Growler aircraft, with the potential to increase that number’, BDA noted in a 27 July announcement.
The three components are the main and nose wheel hubs plus a component from the environmental control system.
Currently, they are being repaired in the US under the FMS programme — so moving the work to Australia will help in ‘building resilience’ into the RAAF Super Hornet and Growler supply chains, said Chris Gray, BDA programme manager for ACEAS.
BDA provides sustainment and support services for other Australian aircraft such as the C-17A Globemaster, P-8A Poseidon, E-7A Wedgetail, CH-47F Chinook, EC-135 training helicopter and the soon-to-be-introduced AH-64E Apache Guardian.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Global Ordnance and Sparkz disclose plans for 500,000 US-made UAV batteries a year]()
-
![Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain]()
Patria OPTIME and ILIAS: Orchestrating operational readiness across every domain
Patria OPTIME is a sustainment concept that integrates MRO and lifecycle services into one solution, powered by the ILIAS digital defence platform
-
![US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems]()
US military seeks common controllers for drones and robotic systems
US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Special Operations Command initiatives signal demand for interoperable uncrewed systems control, creating opportunities for suppliers of hardware, software and integration services.
-
![“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption]()
“Start planning much earlier”: delivering defence support in an era of disruption
In Conversation… The geopolitical landscape is increasingly uncertain, with the UK and its allies confronting the most unpredictable international environment for decades. To adapt, defence readiness must begin long before assets reach the front line, forging a resilient support enterprise that can thrive in a time of ongoing disruption, argue the partners of Team ORION.
-
![“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success]()
“Communicating at mission speed”: why data security is essential for operational success
In conversation… Everfox’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dave Wajsgras and Managing Director, International, Colin McKinty discuss the critical importance of information security in defence, minimising insider risk and the company’s international growth strategy with Shephard’s Andrew White.
-
![“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence]()
“Engage with the operational problem”: how software innovation can boost UK defence
In Conversation… Shephard’s Andrew White talks to Zafer Şen, CEO and co-founder of OBSS, about the future of command-and-control software in the age of artificial intelligence, and his company’s ambitions in the UK defence market.
