Australia Strengthens Its Defense Capabilities With Modernization of Wedgetail Aircraft
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The Australian Government has announced a $569 million contract aimed at enhancing and maintaining the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft. The contract, awarded to Boeing Defence Australia, ensures the aircraft’s critical capabilities will be upgraded and maintained over the next decade.
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The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft. (Picture source: Australian MoD)
The deal secures the future of the E-7A Wedgetail, a cornerstone of Australia’s integrated air and missile defence systems, which provides essential situational awareness and airborne command and control. The RAAF currently operates six of these advanced aircraft through No. 2 Squadron, stationed at RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle.
In addition to securing the long-term operation of the Wedgetail, the contract will have substantial economic benefits, securing hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country. The new funding will support approximately 170 jobs in the NSW Hunter region, alongside hundreds of other roles in Brisbane and Adelaide, where significant components of the project will be undertaken. This is in addition to the 360 existing personnel already supporting the Wedgetail at RAAF Base Williamtown.
This announcement underscores the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence industry, providing essential capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and securing the economic future of communities across the country. The funding will not only ensure the continued service of the E-7A Wedgetail but also sustain high-skill jobs crucial for both national security and local economies.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, highlighted the importance of the Wedgetail’s contribution to regional security, noting its recent deployment to Europe under Operation Kudu, where it played a key role in providing early warning of potential threats from Russia. He emphasized that this contract reflects the Albanese Government’s commitment to modernising and securing Australia’s defence capabilities, in stark contrast to previous administrations’ neglect.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, further noted that the investment in this contract contributes to the larger defence workforce, particularly in the Hunter region, where more than 10,000 individuals are employed in the sector. He stated, “This funding supports a critical capability that keeps Australians safe but is also vital for the financial security of hundreds of people across the country, including in the Hunter.”
The continued support for the E-7A Wedgetail and the accompanying job security for Australian workers is a key part of the Albanese Government’s vision for Australia’s future – one that is built on strong, secure, and sovereign defence capabilities.
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{loadposition sidebarpub}
The Australian Government has announced a $569 million contract aimed at enhancing and maintaining the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft. The contract, awarded to Boeing Defence Australia, ensures the aircraft’s critical capabilities will be upgraded and maintained over the next decade.
The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft. (Picture source: Australian MoD)
The deal secures the future of the E-7A Wedgetail, a cornerstone of Australia’s integrated air and missile defence systems, which provides essential situational awareness and airborne command and control. The RAAF currently operates six of these advanced aircraft through No. 2 Squadron, stationed at RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle.
In addition to securing the long-term operation of the Wedgetail, the contract will have substantial economic benefits, securing hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country. The new funding will support approximately 170 jobs in the NSW Hunter region, alongside hundreds of other roles in Brisbane and Adelaide, where significant components of the project will be undertaken. This is in addition to the 360 existing personnel already supporting the Wedgetail at RAAF Base Williamtown.
This announcement underscores the Albanese Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence industry, providing essential capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and securing the economic future of communities across the country. The funding will not only ensure the continued service of the E-7A Wedgetail but also sustain high-skill jobs crucial for both national security and local economies.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, highlighted the importance of the Wedgetail’s contribution to regional security, noting its recent deployment to Europe under Operation Kudu, where it played a key role in providing early warning of potential threats from Russia. He emphasized that this contract reflects the Albanese Government’s commitment to modernising and securing Australia’s defence capabilities, in stark contrast to previous administrations’ neglect.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, further noted that the investment in this contract contributes to the larger defence workforce, particularly in the Hunter region, where more than 10,000 individuals are employed in the sector. He stated, “This funding supports a critical capability that keeps Australians safe but is also vital for the financial security of hundreds of people across the country, including in the Hunter.”
The continued support for the E-7A Wedgetail and the accompanying job security for Australian workers is a key part of the Albanese Government’s vision for Australia’s future – one that is built on strong, secure, and sovereign defence capabilities.
