THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
128/2009
SUPER HORNET AIRCRAFT SUSTAINMENT CONTRACT
The project to acquire Australia’s new fighter aircraft, the Super Hornet, took
another step forward today with the signing of the sustainment contract with
The Boeing Company.
The Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet, said
today that the signing of the Super Hornet Aircraft Sustainment Contract is
worth approximately $20 million per annum, and provides for about 74 jobs at
RAAF Base Amberley for three years.
“Under the contract the Boeing Company will provide engineering, supply
chain management and maintenance services to support F/A-18F Super
Hornet operations,” Mr Combet said.
“The contract is vital for effective support of the RAAF’s fleet of Super Hornets
when they arrive at RAAF Amberley early next year.
“Boeing Defence Australia, the major sub-contractor to The Boeing Company,
will provide a significant portion of the labour resources.
“This contract integrates local Australian expertise with Boeing’s experience
as the major support provider to the U.S. Navy’s Super Hornet fleet which will
deliver the best solution for sustaining our new Super Hornets.”
The Super Hornet project is running on budget and ahead of schedule.
“The first four of Australia’s Super Hornets will arrive at RAAF Base Amberley
in March/April 2010 with the remaining aircraft to be progressively introduced
throughout the remainder of 2010 and 2011,” Mr Combet said.
Australia is acquiring 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets to aid the transition to a
mature Joint Strike Fighter capability, and allow Air Force to retire the F-111
fleet in December 2010.
Media Note:
RAAF Super Hornet images are available at:
Media contacts:
Pat Conroy (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0408 666180
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
