THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
002 /2010
WEDGETAIL THROUGH LIFE SUPPORT CONTRACT
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today
announced the signing of a contract with the Boeing Company to provide five
years of through life support services for the new Royal Australian Air Force
(RAAF) fleet of Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEWC) aircraft.
“This contract will create more than 100 industry jobs in the Newcastle area. It
will also provide continued and new employment for more than 100 personnel
at Amberley over the next 12 months, which will have positive flow-on effects
for local businesses,” Mr Combet said.
“The five year performance based contract is valued at $800 million and
provides a comprehensive support arrangement.
“The contract links contractor profits directly to contractor performance,
thereby promoting greater efficiency and delivering real cost savings.
“The contract aims to reduce costs into the future, providing value for money
for Defence and the Australian taxpayer.
“As outlined in the Rudd Government’s White Paper the Wedgetail aircraft will
provide vastly improved situational awareness and an ability to control and
coordinate aircraft in the military environment.
“The Boeing Company will be supported by Boeing Defence Australia on
maintenance, engineering and training. Northrop Grumman Corporation will
provide support for their Multi-Role Electronically Scanned radar.
“As part of the contract, the industry team will deliver services including
logistics, training, spares management, aircraft deeper maintenance,
engineering and supply chain management,” Minister Combet said.
The Wedgetail aircraft are being delivered progressively to RAAF Base
Williamtown. This contract will allow for the necessary infrastructure to be
developed for the support of the Wedgetail Aircraft when they are formally
accepted by the Commonwealth.
Media Note: Imagery from the contract signing ceremony will be available
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
