Boeing Defence Australia to support RAAF Wedgetail
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.
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