, Today's arrival of a Boeing 737 Wedgetail aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley marks the start of production of the largest and most complex aircraft modification program ever undertaken in Australia.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the aircraft is the first of four Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft that will be modified at RAAF Amberley to provide Australia with leading-edge air and maritime surveillance.
Senator Hill joined the Chief of the Air Force Air Marshal Geoff Shepherd, Federal Member for Blair Cameron Thompson and Boeing representatives to mark a significant milestone in the $450 million project.
Senator Hill said Australia will receive a total of six state-of-the-art AEW&C aircraft which will strengthen our national security and grow Australian defence industry capability. The fleet of aircraft will provide a critical new combat capability for Air Force with far more flexibility than other similar platforms in service today.
“Completion of the four Wedgetail aircraft in Australia will increase Australian industry involvement by $80 million with a further $75 million worth of associated export work and three technology transfer programs worth $24 million to Australia.
“At its peak, the production line at RAAF Amberley will employ about 170 personnel including aircraft technicians, engineering and support staff.
“This will grow Australia's skills capability that will benefit Australia in the short and long term, through technology transfer and exposure to new capabilities.
“The Wedgetail modification project will further develop Australia's capability to undertake fleet management and major electrical and structural modification for other 737 aircraft or 737 derivative aircraft.
“Project Wedgetail will increase Australia's effectiveness in surveillance and air combat, provide air defence support for our current and future naval fleets and will also assist in many civil support operations such as border protection and search and rescue activities,” Senator Hill said.
Senator Hill commended the partnership approach adopted by the Defence Materiel Organisation and the industry team led by Boeing US and supported by Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems Australia and Boeing Australia.
In the five years since project signature, Project Wedgetail remains on schedule on and on budget.
The first two aircraft are being modified in Seattle, United States, and are expected to be officially handed over to the Air Force at the end of this year.
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