Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has assumed responsibility for the sustainment of the Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) fleet under a new contract modification announced on 30 July. The role was previously carried out by Boeing in the US.
Under the contract BDA will now execute the E-7A Wedgetail In-Service Support Performance-Based Logistics contract, and ensure the continued high level of readiness for the RAAF’s command and control aircraft fleet. Other Boeing organisations will act as subcontractors.
Shelley Lavender, vice president and general manager of Boeing Integrated Logistics, said: ‘This change effectively combines Boeing’s knowledge as the original equipment manufacturer with a talented Australian team dedicated to providing the RAAF with low-risk, cost-efficient support for the E-7A Wedgetail.’
The E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C provides airborne battle management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and the ability to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.
Air Vice-Marshal Colin Thorne, head of the aerospace systems division in the Defence Materiel Organisation, added: ‘This is a significant step in the maturing of local industry to support this important strategic capability.’
The RAAF has operated six E-7A Wedgetail aircraft in Initial Operating Capability since 2012. It is now focused on activities to support declaration of Final Operational Capability.
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
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