Government awards $569 million Wedgetail contract to Boeing Defence

The federal government has announced a $569 million contract with Boeing Defence Australia to deliver enhancements to the RAAF’s E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft and ground systems to ensure capability is upgraded and maintained over the next decade.

The government says the additional funding also provides job security for hundreds of people in Brisbane and Adelaide, as well as the NSW Hunter Region where it will support 170 jobs. This is in addition to the approximately 360 existing Defence and industry personnel who support the Wedgetail at RAAF Base Williamtown.

The E-7A Wedgetail is a cornerstone of Australia’s integrated air and missile defence capability, providing crucial situational awareness and airborne command and control. The ADF’s six aircraft are operated by No. 2 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown, near Newcastle.

“The Wedgetail is one of the most advanced in-air battle management capabilities in the world,” said Richard Marles, Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. “This will not only contribute to the security of our region, but helps support Australian defence industry and secure jobs.

“We’ve seen how important this capability is, most recently through its deployment to Europe helping to provide early warning for potential threats from Russia under Operation Kudu.”

“The hundreds of high-skilled jobs secured by this additional funding are part of the more than 10,000-strong workforce employed in the defence industry in the Hunter,” said Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy. “This funding supports a critical capability that keeps Australians safe but is also critical for the financial security of hundreds of people across the country, including in the Hunter.”

Image caption: An E-7A Wedgetail aircraft from the Royal Australian Air Force takes off from RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise Pitch Black 24. ©Commonwealth of Australia.