The Australian government has ensured the future of the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft with a $569 million contract that also secures hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country. This contract with Boeing Defence Australia, announced today, will deliver enhancements to the aircraft and ground systems and ensures this critical capability is upgraded and maintained over the next decade.
This additional funding provides job security for hundreds of people in Brisbane and Adelaide, as well as the NSW Hunter Region where it will alone support 170 jobs. This is in addition to the approximately 360 existing Defence and industry personnel who support the Wedgetail at RAAF Base Williamtown.
The E-7A Wedgetail is a cornerstone of Australia’s integrated air and missile defence capability, providing crucial situational awareness and airborne command and control. The ADF’s six aircraft are operated by No. 2 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said: “The Albanese Government continues to invest in the capabilities needed for our Defence Force, this is in stark contrast to the Coalition and their decade of neglect. The Wedgetail is one of the most advanced in-air battle management capabilities in the world. This will not only contribute to the security of our region, but helps support Australian defence industry and secure jobs. We’ve seen how important this capability is, most recently through its deployment to Europe helping to provide early warning for potential threats from Russia under Operation Kudu.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said: “The hundreds of high-skilled jobs secured by this additional funding are part of the more than 10,000-strong workforce employed in the defence industry in the Hunter. This funding supports a critical capability that keeps Australians safe but is also critical for the financial security of hundreds of people across the country, including in the Hunter. The Albanese Government is building Australia’s future with secure jobs that are critical to our national security and sovereignty.”
For more than 18 years, Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) has delivered sustainment and upgrade services that have enhanced the E-7A Wedgetail fleet’s capability and kept it at the forefront of global Airborne Early Warning and Control capability.
“This funding extension demonstrates the value of Australia’s E-7A Wedgetails to allied forces and secures Boeing Defence Australia’s ability to keep the platform mission-ready and able to meet the challenges of the changing battlespace,” said Darryn Fletcher, BDA director of E-7 Programs.
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You can smell an Election in the air….
Why do you need to mention opposition??
The military has gotten worse in last three years than I’ve ever seen before…election coming out comes funding and wartoys…pathetic!
33 year ADF Veteran