Defence signs contract extension with Boeing for Super Hornet, Growler maintenance

Defence signs contract extension with Boeing for Super Hornet, Growler maintenance Defence has signed a four-year extension to Boeing Defence Australia’s contract to maintain the Royal Australian Air Force’s Super Hornet and Growler aircraft in Amberley. In a news release, Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Melissa Price MP, welcomed the extension to the Air Combat Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract and said it was an endorsement of Boeing’s performance and support of local workers. “The contract, valued at $280 million, provides a highly-experienced maintenance, engineering, supply, project management, and weapon system integrator workforce to Defence,” Minister Price said. “This partnership continues to recognise Boeing’s commitment and performance in supporting these Air Force capabilities.” Over 90 per cent of the Air Combat and Electronic Attack Sustainment Contract is being delivered by Australian industry by 230 Boeing Defence Australia and sub‑contractor personnel, based in the Amberley region. This latest contract is a follow on to the one signed in August 2016 for an initial five-year period, which also involved subcontractors including Raytheon Australia, Northrop Grumman Australia and Pacific Aerospace. The RAAF operates 24 Boeing-manufactured F/A-18F Super Hornet multirole combat aircraft and 12 EA-18G Growler Electronic Attack aircraft with No. 1 and 6 Squadrons out of Amberley.