Australia accepts final Wedgetail AEW&C design

Boeing has announced that Australia has accepted the final design of the Wedgetail airborne mission segment of the 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft being acquired for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). This completes the acquisition of the six aircraft which will provide Australia with advanced airborne surveillance, communications and battle management capabilities.

As well as the six AEW&C aircraft, the Wedgetail programme also includes ground support segments such as the Operational Flight Trainer, Operational Mission Simulator and Mission Support System. All are located in the AEW&C Support Centre at RAAF Base Williamtown in Newcastle.

Air Vice Marshal Chris Deeble, Wedgetail program manager, Defence Materiel Organisation, said: ‘Australia has worked closely with Boeing and its industry partners to deliver a world-class Airborne Early Warning and Control capability. The performance of the Wedgetail in recent high-end coalition exercises indicates that we are delivering a cutting-edge warfighting capability to the RAAF.’

Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and program manager, Airborne Surveillance, Command and Control, added: ‘The collaboration between the RAAF, Boeing and our suppliers is proof that a strong government-industry partnership can do great things. A robust support programme is now in place to ensure Wedgetail's long-term service and success.’