Australian DOD, Boeing sign Hornet aircraft sustainment contract of worth $20 million

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.