Boeing signs RAAF Wedgetail support extension
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has elected to extend a contract with Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) to support its Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft fleet through to 2019. The $901 million contract extension was announced on 17 March.
BDA has supported the Wedgetail AEW&C programme since 2010, and took over prime support responsibility for the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft in July 2013. Under this extension the company will continue to provide programme management, supply-chain management, engineering, and maintenance services.
The E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C provides airborne battle management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar, which has 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.
Kim Gillis, vice president and managing director, BDA, said: ‘Our stable, established support programme provides a strong foundation for future activities and requirements while maintaining availability and capability outcomes for the RAAF. Over the past five years, BDA has developed a strong partnering relationship with the RAAF and Defence Materiel Organisation under the Wedgetail ‘One Team’ banner.’
Air Vice-Marshal Leigh Gordon, head aerospace systems division, Defence Materiel Organisation, added: ‘Our decision to extend this contract demonstrates the maturity of BDA and its industry partners, Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems, engineering maintenance and logistics support to the E-7A Wedgetail capability. With 50 percent Australian content, this contract extension maintains Australian industry’s significant involvement in the Wedgetail capability.’
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
-
![Australia looks towards space with force restructure, investment and training]()
Australia looks towards space with force restructure, investment and training
Australia is looking to improve its presence in space with a focus on communications and creating a dedicated segment of its defence forces committed to the domain.
-
![EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI]()
EID to unveil new vehicle communication system at DSEI
The Portuguese company’s naval communications system is in service across more than a dozen countries. It has turned to its home nation for support in developing a new vehicle based C2 system.
