Boeing has selected Ferra Engineering to produce wing kits for its High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC), extending the long-standing partnership between the two companies and establishing a local production line in Australia.
The contract further strengthens Australia’s sovereign defence manufacturing capability, supporting national objectives under the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise while creating skilled jobs in the local aerospace and defence sector.
High-altitude anti-submarine capability
HAAWC is designed for deployment from Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft. The all-weather, air-launched torpedo kit enables operators to engage submarines from high altitude, significantly enhancing operational flexibility while improving crew safety.
“Local HAAWC production with Ferra means more skilled jobs in Australia and deeper sovereign manufacturing capability,” said Bob Ciesla, Vice President, Boeing Precision Engagement Systems. “This partnership represents a practical investment in national defence and regional security, aligned with Australia’s sovereign guided weapons objectives.”
Long-standing industrial partnership
Ferra Engineering supplies precision components across multiple Boeing programs, including the Australian-built MQ-28 Ghost Bat, and exports components to the United States for platforms such as the F/A-18F Super Hornet, AH-64E Apache, and P-8A Poseidon under the Australian Defence Force Global Supply Chain Program.
In 2023, Boeing and Ferra signed a Memorandum of Understanding to produce wing kits for the Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM-ER) and Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM-LR) systems.
“We are honoured to continue our 17-year partnership with Boeing on the HAAWC programme,” said Aaron Thompson, CEO of Ferra Engineering. “This contract reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, Australian-made defence solutions and highlights the value of collaboration in advancing Australia’s defence capability.”
Supporting Australia’s global defence supply chain
Boeing’s participation in the Global Supply Chain Program has expanded opportunities for Australian industry to export products, services and technology into Boeing’s worldwide network. These partnerships support Boeing’s commercial aircraft, defence platforms, space and satellite systems, as well as ongoing research and development activities within Australia.
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