DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545
MSPA 409/09
Thursday, 26 November 2009
INITIAL DELIVERY OF WEDGETAIL AIRCRAFT
The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has today taken initial delivery of two
Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft from Boeing.
AEW&C Program Manager, Air Vice Marshal Chris Deeble said the aircraft – known
as ‘Wedgetail’ –
is critical to Australia’s Air Combat Capability and will play a key
role in achieving the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) network-enabled war fighting
capability.
“The Wedgetail aircraft is a ‘first of type’ development and extremely complex, given
the range of cutting-edge radar technology and sensors that will be incorporated into
each aircraft.
“Development, test and evaluation are still ongoing with many hurdles still to be
overcome, particularly with respect to radar, electronic support measures and
integrated system performance and stability.
“However with the initial delivery of two aircraft, Defence will now be able to
conduct familiarisation training while Boeing completes the remaining test program
and acceptance activities,” AVM Deeble said.
“When fully operational, Wedgetail will enhance surveillance, air defence, fleet
support and force coordination operations.”
Boeing has currently scheduled initial acceptance of the first two aircraft for the first
quarter 2010 when the aircraft will come into Commonwealth ownership.
The Commonwealth will eventually acquire six Wedgetail aircraft at a cost of more
than (AUS) $4 billion.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
