Defence extends variety of RAAF traning and support systems contracts

The Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced two significant defence industry contracts worth approximately $300 million and securing hundreds of local jobs while visiting defence industry facilities at RAAF Base Williamtown.

Minister Pyne said both BAE Systems Australia and Raytheon Australia had signed contract extensions with Defence securing the jobs of hundreds of workers which would drive growth in the local economy. The Minister made the announcement during his first trip to NSW as Defence Industry Minister.

“These are exciting times for Defence industry and deliver on the Turnbull Government’s commitment to growing Australian industry as outlined in the Defence White Paper,” Mr Pyne said.

“Valued at approximately $200m, I am pleased to announce that BAE Systems Australia has won a two year extension to support the Hawk Lead-In Fighter ensuring ongoing work for approximately 300 people at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW and RAAF Base Pearce, WA.

“The Hawk, as the training aircraft for the Classic Hornet and Super Hornet fleets as well as the Joint Strike Fighter, is incredibly important in Australia’s combat training capability, providing experience for our trainee strike and fighter pilots as well as the Air Combat Officers.”

Minister Pyne said he was also pleased to announce an extension to the Air Combat Training Services Support Contract for the ongoing sustainment and operation of the Air Combat Group’s Hornet, Super Hornet and Growler Aircrew Training Simulators Systems.

“This extension awarded to Raytheon Australia and its subcontractor Milskil, is valued at approximately $100m and brings together separate contracts for the management and execution of training and support services for Classic Hornet and Super Hornet platforms currently being undertaken by Raytheon Australia and Milskil,” Mr Pyne said.

“It also adds the EA-18G – Growler Training Support Services, support to the Spiral Upgrade program and additional services including Force Generation Services.

“The revised contract will sustain approximately 50 jobs, supporting Air Combat Capabilities located at RAAF Bases Amberley (QLD), Williamtown (NSW) and Tindal (NT).

“The contract will provide management, aircrew training services delivery, engineering, training device maintenance and operation, force generation and general support services for the RAAF’s Classic Hornet, Super Hornet and Growler aircrew training simulators and maintenance training devices.

The Minister’s visit to NSW also included a roundtable discussion with key defence industry stakeholders across the state and meetings with the state government.

The trip reinforces the Government’s commitment to forming a new partnership with Australian defence industry with a national approach being taken to ensure that Defence gets the equipment, systems and personnel it needs now and into the future.

Source: Defence Media